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That is at bottom the only courage that is demanded of us…

“That is at bottom the only courage that is demanded of us: to have courage for the most strange, the most singular and the most inexplicable that we may encounter. That mankind has in this sense been cowardly has done life endless harm; the experiences that are called "visions," the whole…” quote by Rainer Maria Rilke
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“That is at bottom the only courage that is demanded of us: to have courage for the most strange, the most singular and the most inexplicable that we may encounter. That mankind has in this sense been cowardly has done life endless harm; the experiences that are called "visions," the whole so-called "spirit-world," death, all those things that are so closely akin to us, have by daily parrying been so crowded out of life that the senses with which we could have grasped them are atrophied. To say nothing of God.”

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.

Courage is required to confront the unknown and mysterious aspects of existence, which society often avoids.

In simple terms: Face the unknown with bravery.

Key Takeaway

Embrace the strange and inexplicable.

Themes

courage unknown existence

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • exploring new ideas
  • spiritual practice
  • artistic creation
  • confronting fear

Key Concepts

existentialism spirituality psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What strange experiences have you avoided?
  • How can you cultivate courage daily?
A Different Perspective

The call for constant bravery may be exhausting for ordinary life.

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