Imperative

silent night (Photo credit: balanced.crafts)

Rainer Maria Rilke (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“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 sigh and witness to this impulse.”

Rainer Maria Rilke

Letters To A Young Poet

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