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Who if I cried out, would hear me among the angel's…

“Who if I cried out, would hear me among the angel's hierarchies? and even if one of them pressed me suddenly against his heart: I would be consumed in that overwhelming existence For beauty is nothing but the beginning of terror which we are still just able to endure. and we are so awed because it…” quote by Rainer Maria Rilke
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“Who if I cried out, would hear me among the angel's hierarchies? and even if one of them pressed me suddenly against his heart: I would be consumed in that overwhelming existence For beauty is nothing but the beginning of terror which we are still just able to endure. and we are so awed because it serenely disdains to annihilate us.”

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.

Beauty and terror are intertwined; confronting profound awe can be both terrifying and enlightening.

In simple terms: Beauty brings terror and awe.

Key Takeaway

Embrace awe while acknowledging fear.

Themes

beauty terror existence awe philosophy

Mood

wonderful intense

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • art appreciation
  • spiritual contemplation
  • creative inspiration
  • philosophical debate

Key Concepts

existentialism the sublime human perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does confronting terror change your view of beauty?
  • Can awe be a source of growth?
A Different Perspective

The intensity may overwhelm some readers, limiting accessibility.

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