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Every angel is terrible. And yet, alas I welcome you…

“Every angel is terrible. And yet, alas I welcome you, almost fatal birds of the soul, knowing about you. ... If the archangel came now, the perilous one, from the back of the stars but one step lower and toward us, our own high beating heart would slay us. Who are you? You early successes, spoiled…” quote by Rainer Maria Rilke
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““Every angel is terrible. And yet, alas I welcome you, almost fatal birds of the soul, knowing about you. ... If the archangel came now, the perilous one, from the back of the stars but one step lower and toward us, our own high beating heart would slay us. Who are you? You early successes, spoiled darlings of creation...””

Rainer Maria Rilke

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Divine inspiration is both beautiful and dangerous, confronting us with awe and fear.

In simple terms: Spiritual insight can be overwhelming.

Key Takeaway

Approach profound experiences with humility.

Themes

spirituality beauty danger inspiration

Mood

melancholic introspective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • artistic creation
  • religious contemplation
  • creative writing
  • personal crisis

Key Concepts

Existentialism mythology psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What draws you to awe‑inspiring art?
  • How do you balance wonder and fear?
A Different Perspective

Such visions may destabilize mental health.

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