Beauty Quote by Rainer Maria Rilke
““For beauty is nothing but the beginning of terror.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Book of Hours” (1905)
Beauty can awaken a profound, unsettling fear within us.
In simple terms: Beauty often brings a deep, unsettling feeling.
Recognize and explore the tension between awe and fear.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- art criticism
- personal reflection
- creative writing
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does terror reveal about our values?
- How can we balance admiration with anxiety?
Fear may limit appreciation of beauty.