Alive Quote by Rainer Maria Rilke
“People have (with the help of conventions) oriented all their solutions toward the easy and toward the easiest side of the easy; but it is clear that we must hold to what is difficult; everything alive holds to it, everything in Nature grows and defends itself in its own way and is characteristically and spontaneously itself, seeks at all costs to be so and against all opposition.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Struggle, 1910, published in literary journal
Rilke emphasizes embracing difficulty, asserting that true growth and authenticity arise from confronting challenges rather than seeking ease.
In simple terms: Growth comes from facing hard tasks, not choosing the easy path.
Key Takeaway
Choose challenges to foster authentic development.
Themes
philosophy
growth
resilience
Mood
inspirational
determined
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal development
- creative work
- scientific research
- entrepreneurship
Key Concepts
existentialism
natural law
self‑actualization
Questions to Reflect On
- What difficult task will you pursue today?
- How do you balance effort and rest?
A Different Perspective
Choosing difficulty can lead to failure or burnout without balance.
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