Attitude Quote by Rainer Maria Rilke
““How should we be able to forget those ancient myths that are at the beginning of all peoples, the myths about dragons that at the last moment turn into princesses; perhaps all the dragons of our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us once beautiful and brave. Perhaps everything terrible is in its deepest being something helpless that wants help from us. So you must not be frightened if a sadness rises up before you larger than any you have ever seen; if a restiveness, like light and cloudshadows, passes over your hands and over all you do. You must think that something is happening with you, that life has not forgotten you, that it holds you in its hand; it will not let you fall. Why do you want to shut out of your life any uneasiness, any miseries, or any depressions? For after all, you do not know what work these conditions are doing inside you.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Letters to a Young Poet, 1910
The passage urges embracing pain and fear as transformative forces, seeing monsters as hidden helpers and trusting life’s supportive hand.
In simple terms: Pain can hide hidden help; trust life’s support.
Key Takeaway
Accept discomfort as growth catalyst.
Themes
growth
acceptance
transformation
psychology
mythology
Mood
reflective
hopeful
introspective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- grief counseling
- creative writing
- personal crisis
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
Archetype
shadow work
resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you reframe fear as ally?
- What hidden gifts might your sorrow reveal?
A Different Perspective
Pain may overwhelm and hinder clarity if not processed.
