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!
Perhaps the great renewal of the world will consist of this, that man and woman, freed of all confused feelings and desires, shall no longer seek each other as opposites, but simply as members of a family and neighbors, and will unite as human beings, in order to simply, earnestly, patiently, and jointly bear the heavy responsibility of sexuality that has been entrusted to them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that true connection between people should transcend confusion about desire and opposites, leading to a united sense of responsibility in relationships.
Rainer Maria Rilke speaks about a vision for renewal in the world, where individuals, regardless of gender, come together not as adversaries or opposites but as equals and members of a shared community. He emphasizes the need for unity based on understanding and shared responsibility in navigating the complexities of sexuality, suggesting that such a collective mindset can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections among people.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about modern relationships to highlight the importance of connection and understanding.
More from Rainer Maria Rilke
All quotes →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
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