Crowds Quote by Rainer Maria Rilke
“I hold this to be the highest task of a bond between two people: that each shall stand guard over the solitude of the other. For, if it lies in the nature of indifference and of the crowd to recognize no solitude, then love and friendship are there for the purpose of continually providing the opportunity for solitude. And only those are the true sharings which rhythmically interrupt periods of deep isolation.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "The Book of Hours", 1905
True intimacy involves protecting each other's solitude, allowing moments of deep isolation to be shared rhythmically.
In simple terms: Friendship protects each other's alone time.
Key Takeaway
Value and respect solitude in relationships.
Themes
friendship
solitude
intimacy
balance
Mood
thoughtful
intimate
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- marriage
- close friendships
- therapy sessions
Key Concepts
psychology
existentialism
connection
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance closeness and solitude?
- What rituals protect your solitude?
A Different Perspective
Too much closeness can erode personal space.
![“The Soul [the Real Self] and the Gnan [True Knowledge] are always present in crowds, not in solitude. There is peace in solitude, not the (true) knowledge.” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6e9/dada-bhagwan-31_gnan_the-soul-the-real-self-and-the-gnan-true_543591.jpg)
