Attitude Quote by Rainer Maria Rilke
“And we, spectators always, everywhere, looking at, never out of, everything! It fills us. We arrange it. It collapses. We re-arrange it, and collapse ourselves. Who's turned us round like this, so that we always, do what we may, retain the attitude of someone who's departing? Just as he, on the last hill, that shows him all his valley for the last time, will turn and stop and linger, we live our lives, for ever taking leave.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Book of Hours”, 1905
We constantly observe and rearrange life, causing both creation and self-destruction, yet we cling to departure.
In simple terms: Life is a cycle of observing, reshaping, and letting go.
Key Takeaway
Embrace change, let go.
Themes
existence
observation
transience
Mood
melancholic
contemplative
Type
philosophical
poetic
When to use this quote
- creative projects
- relationship dynamics
- career pivots
- personal growth
Key Concepts
impermanence
self‑construction
Questions to Reflect On
- What patterns do you repeat?
- How can you release without loss?
A Different Perspective
Clinging to past roles can hinder renewal.
