Rainer Maria Rilke was a renowned poet and novelist who lived from 1875 to 1926. He is considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century and his works remain widely read and appreciated to this day. Among his many memorable quotes, one in particular stands out as perhaps his most famous and enduring. In this blog post, we will explore what this quote means and why it is still so relevant more than a century after Rilke wrote it.
The Quote: Let Everything Happen to You
The quote in question is: “Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final. Don’t let yourself lose me.” These words are taken from one of Rilke’s most famous letters, written to a young poet named Franz Xaver Kappus in 1903. In this letter, Rilke offered advice and encouragement to Kappus, who had sent him some of his own poetry for feedback.
The quote has since become emblematic of Rilke’s philosophy on life. It encourages us to embrace all that life has to offer, from the good to the bad, and to keep moving forward even in the face of adversity. It reminds us that no feeling is permanent and that we should not give up on our dreams and passions, even when they seem out of reach.
What the Quote Means
At its core, Rilke’s quote is about living life to the fullest. It is about embracing the joys and sorrows that come our way and using them as opportunities to grow and learn. By asking us to let everything happen to us, Rilke is advising us to be open and receptive to all of life’s experiences.
This includes not only the good things, like love and beauty, but also the difficult things, like pain and loss. By accepting all of these experiences as part of the human condition, we can find greater meaning and purpose in our lives.
Moreover, Rilke’s quote reminds us that no feeling is permanent. Pain and sorrow may seem overwhelming in the moment, but they will eventually pass. Likewise, moments of joy and beauty may be fleeting, but they can leave a lasting impact on our lives.
Finally, Rilke urges us not to lose sight of ourselves in the midst of life’s ups and downs. He reminds us that our true selves are not defined by our circumstances or emotions, but by our deeper values and beliefs. By staying true to ourselves and our passions, even in the face of adversity, we can find fulfillment and purpose in life.
Why the Quote Still Matters Today
More than 100 years after Rilke wrote these words, they still resonate deeply with people from all walks of life. This is because they speak to a fundamental truth about the human experience: that life is full of both beauty and terror, and that we must be able to navigate both in order to live fully.
In a world that can often feel overwhelming and uncertain, Rilke’s quote offers us a reminder to keep going, even when things seem difficult or impossible. It encourages us to embrace the full spectrum of human emotion and experience, and to use it as fuel for growth and self-discovery.
Moreover, Rilke’s quote reminds us that life is not just about achieving our goals, but about the journey we take to get there. It reminds us to stay true to ourselves and our passions, even in the face of adversity, and to keep moving forward no matter what.
In conclusion, Rainer Maria Rilke’s quote “Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final. Don’t let yourself lose me.” is a powerful reminder of the importance of living life to the fullest, embracing all that it has to offer, and staying true to ourselves and our passions. It speaks to a fundamental truth about the human experience that remains just as relevant today as it did more than a century ago.
FAQ
What is the best Rilke quotes on love?
Rainer Maria Rilke was a notable German poet and novelist who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the recurring themes in his works is love – its beauty, complexity, and challenges. Over the course of his career, Rilke penned many unforgettable lines about love. If we had to pick one, his quote “To love is good, too: love being difficult” would be a standout.
This quote encapsulates the paradox of love; it is both beautiful and challenging. Love is a force that can bring immense joy and fulfillment to our lives, but it can also cause pain and suffering. Rilke acknowledges that loving someone is one of the hardest things a human being can do. It requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to accept the flaws and imperfections of the other person.
Rilke’s quote also hints at the deeper meaning of love. In his view, love is not just a feeling or an emotion. It is a task that we must undertake in life, the ultimate test of our humanity. To love someone fully and sincerely, we need to be able to connect with them in a profound way, to see the world through their eyes and feel their emotions. Love requires us to be vulnerable and open ourselves up to another person, which can be both frightening and exhilarating.
Rilke’S quote about love highlights the importance of this complex, powerful, and rewarding emotion. It reminds us that while love may be difficult, it is also one of the most valuable experiences we can have as human beings.
What was the quote at the end of Jojo Rabbit?
At the end of the movie “Jojo Rabbit,” there is a profound quote that leaves the audience with a lot to think about. The quote is from a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke. The poem is called “Go to the Limits of Your Longing,” and the quote that closes out the film is as follows: “Let everything happen to you / Beauty and terror / Just keep going / No feeling is final.” This quote is a powerful summation of the themes and emotions of the movie.
The first line of the quote, “Let everything happen to you,” encourages the audience to face what life throws at them head-on. This is a theme that is present throughout the movie, as Jojo and his mother both have to deal with the realities of war. The second part of the quote, “Beauty and terror,” is particularly relevant given the backdrop of the movie. In the midst of the horror of war, there is also beauty to be found. This is exemplified by the relationship between Jojo and Elsa, which is based on love and kindness, despite the hateful ideology that Jojo has been brought up with.
The next part of the quote, “Just keep going,” encourages the audience to persevere, even in the face of adversity. This is a theme that is particularly relevant given the context of World War II, as the people who lived through that time had to endure unimaginable hardship and suffering. The final line of the quote, “No feeling is final,” serves as a reminder that emotions are transient and that life is always changing. This is an important message for anyone who has gone through difficult times and serves as a reminder that there is always hope for the future.
In addition to the message of the quote, the music that plays during the credits is also significant. The song “Jojo’s March,” which is part of the film’s score, is a reminder of Jojo’s transformation throughout the movie. At the beginning of the film, he is an enthusiastic member of the Hitler Youth, but by the end of the movie, he has realized the truth about the ideology he has been taught and stands up to the Nazis. The music serves as a celebration of his newfound freedom and independence.
The quote at the end of “Jojo Rabbit” is a powerful statement about the complexities of life and the importance of perseverance. It encapsulates the message of the movie and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
Why do Elsa and Jojo dance at the end?
At the end of the movie Jojo Rabbit, we see Jojo skipping through the streets with his imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler, trailing behind him. But soon Jojo realizes what he thought he knew wasn’t true when he discovers Elsa, a Jewish girl hiding in his attic. Through their interactions, Jojo begins to see the world in a different way. He learns to question the indoctrination he has received from the Nazi youth group and the propaganda he has been exposed to his whole life.
As the Allies begin to encroach on their town, Jojo realizes that he has no need for his imaginary friend, so he rejects him with a kick out of the window. Jojo then takes Elsa outside, where it’s revealed that the Allies did indeed win. Elsa takes the opportunity to slap Jojo for tricking her. But in that moment, they both realize that they are free from the fear and hatred of the past.
Not only are they free from the war that has been raging on around them, but they are also free from the hatred and indoctrination that had imprisoned them mentally. They are both free to live and love without any constraints of bigotry.
The dance scene at the end of the movie is a celebration of their newfound freedom. They are alone together with no idea what the future holds, but they are happy to be alive and to be free. The dance represents a release from all the pain and hatred that they had experienced and were able to overcome. They are no longer bound by the prejudices of their past, but instead, they can embrace life with joy, hope, and love.
The dance at the end of the movie is a symbol of the liberation of the human spirit. Elsa and Jojo were both imprisoned by the war and its hateful ideologies, but through their experiences with each other, they were able to break free and embrace the beauty of life. The dance is a celebration of their newfound freedom and their ability to see the good in the world.
