Yield not thy neck_x000D_ _x000D_ To fortune's yoke, but let thy dauntless mind_x000D_ _x000D_ Still ride in triumph over all mischance._x000D_ _x000D_ In the difficult are the friendly forces, the hands_x000D_ _x000D_ that work on us.
Interpretation
Do not succumb to the pressures of fortune, but maintain a resilient mindset to overcome challenges.
This quote by Rainer Maria Rilke emphasizes the importance of inner strength and resilience in the face of adversity. It suggests that instead of allowing external circumstances, such as misfortune or challenges, to dictate our lives, we should cultivate a courageous and determined mentality that helps us to rise above and achieve victory, even in difficult situations. Rilke also hints at the idea that our struggles can be sources of support and growth, implying that hardships can bring forth strength and connections that aid us on our journeys.
In practice
During a motivational speech to inspire students facing exams.
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
However great may be the work for which we are responsible, we will always do well if we pause to spend time in sacred praise.
We know there are certain chemicals that are designed to give us a rush of pleasure. But, one of the most amazing things about being human is our capacity to override that pleasure. To either say, 'I don't need that pleasure right now. I'm going to ignore the craving.' Or to find something else that we find a deeper sense of reward from.
In idling, the motor's running, but you're letting your mind take in anything. Things pop into it. Those are the gifts of subterranean conscious.
Pithy sentences are like sharp nails which force truth upon our memory.
You've got to bend with the wind or you're broken.
Much that we call evil is really good in disguises; and we should not quarrel rashly with adversities not yet understood, nor overlook the mercies often bound up in them.
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