No, no, one can imagine nothing in the world, not the least thing. Everything is composed of so many isolated details that are not to be foreseen. In one's imagining one passes over them and hasty as one is doesn't notice that they are missing. But realities are slow and indescribably detailed.
Interpretation
The complexities of reality are often overlooked in our imagination.
This quote by Rainer Maria Rilke reflects on the contrast between imagination and reality. It suggests that while we can envision ideas and concepts quickly, the actual world is filled with intricate details that require careful attention and contemplation. Imagination tends to simplify and overlook these nuances, leading to a disconnect between what we envision and what truly exists.
In practice
In a speech about creativity, one could reference this quote to emphasize the importance of understanding real-world complexities.
Spring has again returned. _x000D_ _x000D_ The Earth is like a child that knows many poems._x000D_ _x000D_ Many, O so many. For the hardship_x000D_ _x000D_ of such long learning she receives the prize._x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ Strict was her teacher. _x000D_ _x000D_ The white in the old man's beard pleases us._x000D_ _x000D_ Now, what to call green, to call blue,_x000D_ _x000D_ we dare to ask: She knows, She knows!
Verses are not, as people think, feelings (those one has early enough) -- they are experiences. For the sake of a verse one must see many cities, men, and things, one must know the animals feel how birds fly, and know the gesture with which the little flowers open in the morning.
a good marriage is that in which each appoints the other guardian of his solitude
He reproduced himself with so much humble objectivity, with the unquestioning, matter of fact interest of a dog who sees himself in a mirror and thinks: there's another dog.
The only journey is the one within.
And now we welcome the new year, full of things that have never been
Anger is the ego's way of cloaking fear to make what is frail seem formidable.
The first thing you must do is forget that I'm Black. Second, you must never forget that I'm Black.
Individual liberty is individual power, and as the power of a community is a mass compounded of individual powers, the nation which enjoys the most freedom must necessarily be in proportion to its numbers the most powerful nation.
An inner process stands in need of outward criteria.
I do not believe in the God of theology who rewards good and punishes evil. My God created laws that take care of that. His universe is not ruled by wishful thinking, but by immutable laws.
It is in justice that the ordering of society is centered.
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