Scan barcode
A review by zxcvbnmackie
Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke
5.0
A beautiful and benevolently breathtaking insight into the correspondence shared between the poet Rainer Maria Rilke and a military officer and aspiring poet at the time, Mr. Franz Kappus. This 52 paged book is comprised of 10 letters dated from 1902 to 1908 that Rilke wrote to Kappus bestowing deep advice and sage-like wisdom on many elements crucial to experiencing a better and more well-rounded life.
This correspondence read as if Rilke was communicating with Kappus on a celestial level of humane embrace. Every segment of each letter regarding its topic was meticulously explained and yet, not a word was wasted or misplaced. A mesmerizing paradox.
The letters touched on a variety of topics. A few that I can remember reading about were, firstly, the pivotal and progressive triad that exists between youth, loneliness and love. Secondly, the significant impact that expressions of art (or an art-form) and creativity can have, so long as it comes from a pure place. Thirdly, the value which comes from embracing and accepting personal sadnesses as a means to adequately prepare oneself for the future. Fourthly, that it’s okay to let things happen, and that it’s important to bring oneself away from trying to wonder why, in order to avoid the arrival at wrong conclusions and misplaced blame. Lastly, the crucial momentousness of dedicating oneself to a being in solitary.
To summarise this book in a sentence:
"If you're like me and can't afford therapy, this book acts as the more cost-effective and emotionally beneficial alternative which you never knew you needed."
Of course, there was so much more to this book. However, I will stop my review here in the hopes that it has piqued your interest enough and let you experience it for yourself.
This correspondence read as if Rilke was communicating with Kappus on a celestial level of humane embrace. Every segment of each letter regarding its topic was meticulously explained and yet, not a word was wasted or misplaced. A mesmerizing paradox.
The letters touched on a variety of topics. A few that I can remember reading about were, firstly, the pivotal and progressive triad that exists between youth, loneliness and love. Secondly, the significant impact that expressions of art (or an art-form) and creativity can have, so long as it comes from a pure place. Thirdly, the value which comes from embracing and accepting personal sadnesses as a means to adequately prepare oneself for the future. Fourthly, that it’s okay to let things happen, and that it’s important to bring oneself away from trying to wonder why, in order to avoid the arrival at wrong conclusions and misplaced blame. Lastly, the crucial momentousness of dedicating oneself to a being in solitary.
To summarise this book in a sentence:
"If you're like me and can't afford therapy, this book acts as the more cost-effective and emotionally beneficial alternative which you never knew you needed."
Of course, there was so much more to this book. However, I will stop my review here in the hopes that it has piqued your interest enough and let you experience it for yourself.