Rainer Maria Rilke

"You are looking outward, and that above all you should not do now. Nobody can counsel and help you, nobody. There is only one single way. Go into yourself. Search for the reason that bids you to write; find out whether it is spreading out its roots in the deepest places of your heart, acknowledge to yourself whether you would have to die if it were denied you to write. This above all- ask yourself in the stillest hour of your night: must I write? Delve into yourself for a deep answer. And if this should be affirmative, if you may meet this earnest question with a strong and simple "I must," then build your life according to this necessity; your life even into its most indifferent and slightest hour must be a sign of this urge and a testimony to it. Then draw near to Nature. Then try, like some first human being, to say what you see and experience and love and lose."

-Letters to a Young Poet




This book was given to me for my high school graduation by one of my favorite teachers and now, a good friend. She inspired me to read more of Rilke and Salinger. I read all of Salinger's books one summer and highly recommend them. I'm just getting into more of Rilke's poetry, but he is amazing and very insightful. He lived in poverty for most of his life, but his life shows his dedication to his writing. He really believes in creating and working toward this purpose no matter what. I read this book in 2006, but I frequently find myself coming back to it. It is full of inspiration and encouragement to any artist (not just a poet). This particular quote has been on my mind for several days, so I wanted to share.