Ten letters. One short book. Pure inspiration.
Whether he was aware of it at the time or not, the great poet Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926) wrote these letters of support to a young, advice-seeking poet, Franz Xaver Kappus. Although Kappus never achieved the notoriety of Rilke, these letters remain a timeless inspiration to all creative people who struggle with creating clear, personal and pure works of art.
“What is necessary, after all, is only this: solitude, vast inner solitude. To walk inside yourself and meet no one for hours – that is what you must be able to attain.” – Rainer Maria Rilke, “Letters to a Young Poet”
“You ask whether your verses are any good. You ask me. You have asked others before this. You send them to magazines. You compare them with other poems, and you are upset when certain editors reject your work. Now (since you have said you want my advice) I beg you to stop doing that sort of thing. You are looking outside, and that is what you should most avoid right now. No one can advise or help you – no one. There is only one thing you should do. Go into yourself. Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart; confess to yourself whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. This most of all: ask yourself in the most silent hour of your night: must I write? Dig into yourself for a deep answer. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this solemn question with a strong, simple “I must”, then build your life in accordance with this necessity; your whole life, even into its humblest and most indifferent hour, must become a sign and witness to this impulse.” – Rainer Maria Rilke, “Letters to a Young Poet”