Monday, February 07, 2005

Letters to a Young Poet - Rainer Maria Rilke

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.


Rilke's ten letters have been the boundless resource of creative energy and inspiration for this blogger. In times of crisis, I often go back to these passages of Rilke, and ask myself, "Must I blog?" Then I know that I'm in blogging for the long term.

6 comments:

Mec said...

:)

I think, some were really born to blog... for the long term...

something about writing down our thoughts that make them more real for us... that helps us to know how we shall proceed... with living, loving and learning...

Marvin Aceron said...

So true, Mec. So true...

Marvin Aceron said...

Geez Bayi, thanks.

Jesse Liwag said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Jesse Liwag said...

Hey, Atty. Marvin. Jesse Liwag ulit.

Would it be possible to get your opinion about this?

Marvin Aceron said...

Bayi,

You mean, James -" to write in the smithy of my soul, the uncreated conscience of my race.." -- Joyce?
Of course. I think it is the first modern novel. I am hoping I will get trapped in an island one day, with only a copy of "Ulysess" to get by.