Bearable Quote by Rainer Maria Rilke
“Beauty is only the start of bearable terror.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Book of Images", 1902
He suggests that beauty leads to a terrifying yet tolerable experience, intertwining awe with fear.
In simple terms: Beauty can be both wonderful and frightening.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the complex emotions beauty can evoke.
Themes
aesthetic
existential
paradox
Mood
reflective
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- personal reflection
- creative inspiration
- psychological analysis
Key Concepts
beauty
terror
acceptance
Questions to Reflect On
- How does fear shape our appreciation of beauty?
- Can terror be a source of artistic growth?
A Different Perspective
Beauty's terror may be overwhelming for some.
![“Well, it seems like a miracle to be able to look forward-to-to see all the minutes in front of one come hopping along with something marvellous in them, instead of just[Pg 295] saying, Well, that one didn't actually hurt and the next may be quite bearable if only something beastly doesn't come…” quote by Dorothy L. Sayers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fc4/dorothy-l-sayers-738_able_well-it-seems-like-a-miracle-to-be-able_244103.jpg)
