It is not inertia alone that is responsible for human relationships repeating themselves from case to case, indescribably monotonous and unrenewed: it is shyness before any sort of new, unforeseeable experience with which one does not think oneself able to cope. But only someone who is ready for everything, who excludes nothing, not even the most enigmatical will live the relation to another as something alive.
Interpretation
Human relationships often fall into monotony due to shyness and fear of new experiences, but embracing the unknown makes them vibrant.
Rainer Maria Rilke suggests that the repetitive nature of human relationships stems from a reluctance to engage with new experiences and an inherent shyness. Those who are willing to embrace everything, including uncertainty and the unfamiliar, are more likely to foster dynamic and lively connections with others. By overcoming hesitation and openness to change, individuals can cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships that defy monotony.
In practice
In a motivational speech about personal growth, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of embracing change in relationships.
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
Marriage is a school itself. Also, having children. Becoming a father changed my whole life. It taught me as if by revelation.
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Human beings need to feel that they are lovable and capable of loving.
two people can sleep in the same bed and still be alone when they close their eyes
At my age the only problem is with remembering names. When I call everyone darling, it has damn all to do with passionately adoring them, but I know I'm safe calling them that. Although, of course, I adore them too.
There is much coldness among men because we do not dare to be as cordial as we really are.
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