Where to start with Rilke // reading Rainer Maria Rilke

[@michellewang9194]

You should consider starting a podcast! Your voice is so soothing 🥺

[@Babvgurl3]

i would 100% listen to her podcasts

[@patrickrenztibayan2189]

yes!

[@lilsmarty818]

she should make audiobooks hahah, i'd love listening to them

[@Cassandrareads]

I was just about to comment this haha

[@giorgiacorbellari925]

I would absolutely love a podcast!

[@corosepa]

Emma, In you, Rilke lives. If he had known that almost one hundred years after his death someone would speak about his words and letters and poems with such sincerity and devotion, any doubts he may have had about being remembered, would have disappeared for him.

[@Kittikee10]

🥲🥲🥲

[@miko2204]

I first encountered Rilke in the film Jojo Rabbit. It ends with the quotation "Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final." From then, i became interested to his poetry. But the problem is i don't even know where to start, so thank you so much for this.

[@noeltroy2634]

Thank you for that incredible quote. I've just sent it to my girlfriend who I've fallen out with. If that doesn't work nothing will. And I'll throw in the towel and move on....

[@nadeshkaholmes9511]

I was about to comment the same thing! I can't wait to read his work.

[@joeyik806]

@@nadeshkaholmes9511 me three

[@lobnaomar3]

In my everyday life, people don't talk about books it's not common at all Finding this channel was like finding a missing part 😭💖

[@Viralsbookreviews]

I hope you stay here life long so that yr heart never miss the missing piece of yr comfort🌹

[@sukki6052]

I feel you! Watching booktube is like having so many bookish friends 😍

[@lobnaomar3]

@@Viralsbookreviews thank you for your kind words, I hope that too 💖

[@lobnaomar3]

@@sukki6052 yes TOTALLY, I think this is the best thing about KZbin

[@recapture]

i dont have lots of irls who love books as much as i do either! so booktube is such a great community

[@JamesCKuo]

“The work of the eyes is done. Go now and do the heart-work on the images imprisoned within you.” - Rilke

[@noeltroy2634]

Unbelievable, isn't it. Mind blowing. Couldn't possibly go any deeper. Thank you for the quote

[@rakoon6190]

I was introduced to Rilke by a poet who was a painful experience in my life. Yet, being introduced to him was the best thing ever happened to me. I was preparing for medical school test back then, and reading Rilke and trying to write like him was my guilty pleasure. I had caged myself in loneliness, and succumbed to depression that gets the best of isolation. Yet, in his poetry, what resonated to me the most was the way he cajoles this loneliness and then tames it, as if petting it, wiping the tears, and telling a sweet joke to make the person smile. It was beautiful. I felt like I had a companion. I started feeling passionately for his idea of life, how it was so important for me to imbibe. I changed drastically. I opted for Literature later (intentionally failed my medical school tests) and this year I submitted the thesis titled: Solitude and Self-discovery in the Selected Works of Rainer Maria Rilke: Reenvision of Gen Z's Emotional Needs. I recognized myself as someone inclined to write about loss, suffering, and loneliness in a way that was pessimistic. How would that ever resonate with a reader who is depressed! And so, I changed the way I wrote about loss, suffering, and loneliness. I wish there was a Rilke fan's club, because those who have read him deeply know how special he was. It almost makes me cry :')

[@matthewninh280]

I read Letters to a Young Poet on a recommendation from my acting teacher. Hands down some of the best advice for any artists struggling out there.

[@cathyheckman7415]

Even just daily life! Every time I read the Letters I find something new! I have given this book away more times than I can count to people I find languishing with life.

[@igoravramoski7489]

Most of my life I thought Edgar Allan Poe's poetry was the the most sublime in all of the arts, then, I've read Fernando Pessoa and my mind has been changed, but few months ago, I stumbled upon the Duino Elegies and I can't explain what has happened to me. I am still under such strong influence for which I can't find words to explain. His elegies are beyond anything I've ever had the chance to read. I can't wait to get my hands on his other works. Thank you for this absolutely delightful video. It was such a pleasure listening to you speak about him, your history with his works and his works.

[@babsikro1252]

Since I live in Germany the first time I read Rilke was in school. I haven't read any of his works afterwards but now would like to rediscover him. So this video is really helpful even though I plan on reading his works in german.

[@brunischling9680]

Please do try. Somebody once defined poetry as that which is lost in translation. There are many good renderings of Poems by Rilke, but there is something that cannot be translated because it doesn’t exist in the English language - and that is “der hohe Ton”, a particularly elevated and solemn register and vocabulary that is the reserve of ‘hohe Dichtung’. I have translated prose text from and to English/ German and am very aware of the fact, that each translation is an interpretation. But when it is encounter between you and the original you meet the whole range of possible interpretations.

[@dcxxxx]

You're our de facto Professor of Literature, Ms. *e m m i e*.

[@andyo3969]

After this video I ordered letters to a young poet and I just read the first letter and wow...thank you for introducing me to this man’s writing

[@arlena3297]

Thank you, I really loved this video! As an Austrian, I feel particularly strongly about him, and I first encountered one of his poems in a German class in high school. However, I only came to love him a little later when my English professor, who I think liked me for my love of literature and my interest in everything literary, gifted me with a book of Rilke's poetry. In it my professor had put a note saying that Rilke was his favourite poet and that he wanted to pass that book on to me so that I too could discover his words. Which I did, and I fell head over heels in love. :)

[@____darissa]

thank you for making me cry reading this

[@lawrencebinelli388]

a most enjoyable 35 minutes and 10 seconds...such a pleasure an evenness the world is in need of.

[@milaces1323]

I agree that it's extremely hard to explain why we love the things we love so thanks for doing this video!

[@natejurgensen]

In 2011 I traveled to a small village in southern England called Bruton where I helped a woman renovate her kitchen. I stayed in a shed in her backyard that she had converted to a cozy little hut. She was a bit of a mystic; scatterbrained and cosmic. I stayed there for about a week and on my departure she handed me a book. Of course at the time I thought 'yeah like I'm gonna read some random book I've never heard of.' Luckily I kept it with me on my way through many other countries and it eventually landed on my shelf at home. It wasn't until about 3 years later that I picked the book up out of curiosity. And to my amazement I was captured by it. I'd never heard anyone pour over the warm mysterious beauty of life the way Rilke does. Especially with such gentle fatalism. It's like he is writing in angst with how alive he feels. His sentences are deeply visceral, like he has laid his body out and let his soul permeate the entire horizon; to count and measure it and then let go. Just as you said here Emma, for me as well, there is a stark contrast to the person I was before I read Rilke and the person I am today with Rilke in my life. While I'm here I have to mention Stephen Mitchell. Have you read his Rilke translations? If you haven't, you must! I promise you will leave all the others behind. Thank you for the video Emma. All your shared thoughts and feelings are much appreciated.

[@ranirathi3379]

oh, wow! fancy coming across your comment. how Rilke happened to me is different - over the last few years, i am discovering my writing is where i am my most authentic self, that is where i have the most to offer. i was asking the Universe for guidance if writing is, indeed my path. happened to come across Rilke's writing for the first time just a couple weeks ago on Goodreads quotes. i couldn't stop myself once i felt his words resonate somewhere within me i'd only felt in the deepest stillness. his words in "letters to a young poet" - not just his words, but the heart they flowed from, the loneliness they talk of - i swear they flowed from my own heart, from my own solitude. stephen mitchell - he is an institution unto himself. Tao te Ching - his is the only version, and i've read it over and over innumerable times. letters to a young poet, too, stephen mitchell's is the one. you don't come away from Rilke's words without some of him in your soul. i know i don't.

[@erererererererer8]

I love hearing you talk about Rilke. I haven’t read any of his work yet, but because of you I am planning to have an all Rilke readathon this summer. I would love if you would do individual videos talking more in depth (reading passages/quotes, talking through annotations, etc...) you are so passionate about his work and I know you would have some amazing insights that I would LOVE to hear. I know you love talking about him so hopefully this will be something you want to do!! Thank you for all your amazing content.

[@annA-ic5mr]

I'm from Germany and spent my early childhood in a street named after Rilke so I was introduced to him at a very young age. A little later I found a few of his books lying around at my dad's place and I remember being so excited about it and reading poems by him, not understanding a word but finding them so beautiful. I haven't read anything by him in years now but the way you always talk about him made me want to change that so I was overflowed with excitement when I saw the title of this video. I often find myself gravitating towards your channel when in search of comfort or a reminder of the beauty in every day things so thank you so much Emma♡^^

[@cian4468]

I read a quote of Rainer Maria Rilke on Inner Compass Learning (Substack platform), dated July 8, 2024 and the writing is entitled, "Pop Pop Wow: The Heavy and the Light." Thank you for making this video - your sharing interests me - I will continue to explore his work ❤.

[@yeliif]

i literally love his poetry especially the ones about death. his poetry helped me a lot about the thing i’m not open :) and i really want to learn german for reading his poems in his own language. btw thank you for the video 🥺🖤

[@retu3510]

I'm German, so I first encountered Rilke in school. I still don't understand Rilke at all and I've struggled with poetry my whole life. But recently a friend of mine has begun shareing her poetry with me and I have begun to feel and write poetry. Still I do not understand most poems and especially Rilke is quite enigmatic to me, but I'm so very glad that translators worked very hard to bring different people, more poetic then me, Rilkes words.

[@amariecordero]

Learned about him through the film “Only You” with Robert Downey Jr. and he has become my all time favorite.

[@lovewithpassion95]

I learned of Rilke through your videos. However, I watched JoJo Rabbit for the first time at the weekend and right at the end, his quote “Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.” came up on the screen and I resonated with it so much. So a few days ago, I ordered Letters To A Young Poet because I honestly just felt like it was a sign and that I needed to learn more about him/his work. And now you have made this video, it feels like even more of a sign. I’m just at the very beginning of my journey with Rilke, but thank you Emma for your videos because I wouldn’t have discovered him without you and your videos.

[@SingingMagick]

I first read Rilke in high school. I went to an arts school for high school and took a class called Art in Society, and we had a whole unit on Letters to a Young Poet. We studied different poems of his, and I remember printing out about 50 pages of poems by him to take to class because I loved them so much. That love has not faded! I'm reading Letters a Young Poet again and it's so so wonderful.

[@TK-kf8zc]

I am so thrilled to see someone as young as you so taken with Rilke. I believe he is the greatest poet of all time.

[@henrythe7th868]

Actually, you introduced me to Rilke. And for that ill be forever thankful. You mentioned it in one of your videos and I was interested enough to go look him up. and I stumbled upon one of his random pieces of poetry and I was like wow, it really did me bring to tears didn't it?

[@nurulahad3162]

"You Who Never Arrived " is the poem I love the most. I am just glad you love his poetry!

[@spencerposton1403]

Bless you for making this. I talked about Rilke with my students today. ❤️

[@gooddaysahead1]

Your authenticity and enthusiasm entices me to hear what you have to say.

[@alexfrost8561]

I found Rilke when researching before my interview for oxford university in England. I first found out about his poetry after watching the film “wings of desire” which I highly recommend as the director uses the theme of angels explored in Rilke’s Duino Elegies. It’s a real beautiful film set in West Berlin and it shines a light on the beauty of the everyday and makes me feel at peace and content with my life. Anyway thanks for the video I really enjoyed it! Also you remind me of the American version of ruby granger

[@sprezzatura8755]

Wings of Desire is exceptional.

[@Sunshine-yk2eg]

You talk about Rilke so beautifully that I feel like I've fallen in love with him without even reading any of his works...I really really wanna get into his writing now ♥

[@rkaklis751]

I think the first time i read Rilke i took the duino elegies from the uni library almost exclusively because the cover was pretty. I started reading it at night expecting very little and the first four verses were so beautiful they completely changed my life and the chemistry of my brain. Years later I feel that he started in me a change that I could have never done by myself but needed, and I am such a better, happier person for it. My entire understanding of God, beauty, gender and art rest on the ideas that he made me find in myself. I actually came to Austria in erasmus to read him in german! Love Rilke. And love your videos!!

[@bastardizedforeigncuisine]

i was first exposed to Rilke when i watched Wim Wenders' german movie "Wings of Desire" (much better by its German title, "the sky over Berlin" or "der Himmel über Berlin"

[@adelaideisbooked6600]

I finished reading Letters to a young poet like a week ago and I LOVED IT (it was my first Rilke) i am so exited to watch this video

[@adelaideisbooked6600]

also, YOU were the one who introduced him to me

[@minimal13579]

Omg I need this. I’m German and I’ve never really read Rilke because he is so over referenced here that it’s almost annoying (at least that’s my impression). But you’ve convinced me that I should take a closer look! Looking forward to learning where I will start.

[@degalan2656]

The poet and friend of the family Cor Jellema translated Rilke into Dutch. He was a university lecturer in German. As a dealer in art & manuscripts, I sold a handwritten French poem by Rilke and several of his letters. The poem was actually written in muzot, which made the item extra special…

[@PopoRinrin]

i discovered Rilke today from an Insta story Namjoon of BTS shared of the book "Letters to a young poet". I am almost finished with the book and cannot wait to read more of his works!

[@curlynoodle2929]

God speaks to each of us, then walks with us silently out of the night. These are the words we dimly hear: You, sent out beyond your recall, go to the limits of your longing. Embody me. Flare up like a flame and make big shadows I can move in. Let everything happened to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final. Don’t let yourself lose me. Nearby is the country they call life. You will know it by its seriousness. Give me your hand. Rilke - Book of Hours, 1 59 This verse was my first visit with Rilke. I often go on retreat in North Wales, UK to a Jesuit spirituality centre called, St Beuno’s. It’s the most beautiful place. This is the verse inside the little welcome card placed in every bedroom. Beauty within beauty, surrounded by silence and prayer. Perfect! ❤ Thank you, Emma x Sharon xx UK

[@tomasalmeida5306]

There's a quote of Rilke, just before the credits of Jojo Rabbit. It struck me as profound and meaningful. I became immediately interested in Rilke, did a bit of research on him and ended up finding this (very good and useful) video. You've definitely made me even more excited and interested in his work! So I texted my uncle, fortunately he has some of his books, Letters to a Young Poet included. Went to his house , picked it up, and now its here with me! Just started reading it and I can already feel its going to be a favorite. All of this happened today. Thanks for the help Emma :)

[@jmac_photo]

Emma- simply amazing. Your passion transcends and I find myself immensely inspired as the day I discovered Rainer for myself. I was bartending in Washing ton DC in my early 20's. I met a show girl...lol..I met an actress staring in a a famous Broadway musical during a sold our run at Fords Theater. Yes THE Fords Theater where Lincoln was assassinated. In fact the bar I worked out was next door to the house where Lincoln died. My bar was a boarding house in lat 1870's- the gentleman that scribed the final scene lived in the room where the bar was located. This is the same room I met my friend who would one day tell me to read "Love and other Difficulties". She went on to become Andrew Lloyd Webber's choreographer for Whistle Down The Wind which premiered at the National Theatre in DC. My friend secured 2 seats for me on opening night. Strangely, the seat next to us was empty. Halfway through the first act an older gentlemen sat in the empty seat adjacent to me and my friend. In less than 10 minutes he was gone. It was ALW. Later that nigh at a cast party, I told my friend I was moving to Boulder but had major reservations. She handed me Rainer's book and said "go find your solitude". 25 years later I'm still too young to completely understand but welcome every day to try and learn... But I like you who still have more of his works to explore, I wait patiently to love and savor the next unread page, unread line, and unread word yet to be uncovered and experienced. " You who never arrived in my arms, Beloved, who were lost from the start, I don't even know what songs would please you."

[@alostaforelli3554]

I remember reading Rilke in my german literature class at high school, I instantly fell in love with him and his work. The way he writes is simply magical. (I apologize for the typos, spanish is my first language). Der Panther (The panther) is my favourite poem of him, how he describes this incredible animal in solitude, caged and kept captive is so allusive to his own life and the human experience. The act of walking on circles is such a nice metaphor to anxiety and depression.

[@hanzo6778]

I heard about Rilke through the singer Warren Zevon. The doctors gave him only a few months to live after he was diagnosed with cancer and in his final days he once said that he recites the poem "Autumn day" whenever he felt sorry for himself

[@brunischling9680]

Oh this is such a beautiful poem, a good one to start with. Other poems for Rilke beginners are “ Die Blätter fallen... “Der Panther “ and the Collection “Das Stundenbuch” early poems not quite at the height of Poems to Orpheus or the unsurpassed “ Duino Elegies”

[@sandranaduvilaparambil1017]

I read Rilke during my Master's as part of my Modernist Poetry class. Have carried him with me in my heart since then. Ibwas over the moon when I found that Rilke stayed in Locarno, Switzerland for a while, because I was born there. But yes. Rilke is one of my favourite poets. And I don't see that ever changing. :) ❤️

[@anailinasureplace]

I learned of Rilke through you and your videos, Emma. 😊 I came across your channel a few months ago. I took your suggestion and picked up a copy of "Letters to a Young Poet". I really enjoyed it and look forward to diving deeper into his works. Thank you for making your content... and thank you for being you.

[@debmcneill3380]

Thank you! I learned of Rilke some 20 years ago working with a brilliant therapist. I was going through a very difficult time. He used the poems to help me think deeply and to heal. I still see this therapist as I have needed him. Most recently we have been discussing “the man watching.” I am now a therapist and love sharing Rilke with my clients where appropriate. I have not read all of his works, am now inspired by you to start again. I’m also using this list to gift some of these for my son’s upcoming 30th birthday. Again, thank you for sharing ❤.

[@noeltroy2634]

I believe the duino elegies were mainly inspired by the late string quartets of Beethoven. The final five. Especially the 15th quartet in A minor, opus 132, and the monumental, sublime beyond description, third movement andante, "heliger dankgesang" (holy thanksgiving) It has been described as the most heartbreakingly beautiful piece of music ever written. The most sublime. Do have a listen. Mindblowing, to say the least. At times, it is very difficult to believe what one is hearing. As it is so otherworldly and perfect.......life changing, in fact....

[@fien4878]

I discovered Rilke because of lady gaga and I am not even joking... especially in the beginning of her career she would always talk about him (she actually still does) and about how much he inspired her to write her songs.. since I am inspired by gaga herself I obviously wanted to know who were the people she was inspired by.

[@nr937]

I would really appreciate that you make a video on introduction (?) to poetry cuz I really wanna start reading poetry but don't know where to start??? n I love ur content so much!!💜

[@myrtolefk]

this couldn't have come at a better time! just when i was wondering where to start and just having ordered letters to a young poet! thank you for this and for all your other recommendations the way you talk about these books make me want to read them so badly

[@granthamel5007]

I don't know how to articulate the deep admiration I feel towards the power of your expressive and life- cherishing language. Thanks!

[@BlatantlyBookish]

Thank you for this video!! Years ago I was captivated by a series of quotes on Tumblr that turned out to be my first introduction to Rilke. I am first reading Letters to a Young Poet now and it's astounding. I only wish I read it earlier in life. I'll definitely have to purchase more of his works soon.

[@banistersmind]

I have just come to Rilke myself and I have been floored by how significant his writings are. I was introduced to him via a quote from Sir Roger Scruton that went something like, "Does the Universe into which we dissolve taste of us at all?" I have purchased and started reading The Duino Elegies (though I believe I should have started somewhere before this). I'm challenged by what he is saying but the beauty of his prose is undeniable. Thank you for walking me through this introduction to his work. I appreciate you.

[@dabrupro]

Excellent! Much appreciated. I first heard of Rilke a few months ago (at the age of 57) when I came across this quote somewhere: “So don’t be frightened, dear friend, if a sadness confronts you larger than any you have ever known, casting its shadow over all you do. You must think that something is happening within you, and remember that life has not forgotten you; it holds you in its hand and will not let you fall. Why would you want to exclude from your life any uneasiness, any pain, any depression, since you don’t know what work they are accomplishing within you?” ― Letters to a Young Poet, Rainer Maria Rilke You might appreciate: "You may change the name, but the fact remains. What is the drug which you call karma or destiny? It made you believe yourself to be what you are not. What is it, and can you be free of it? Before you go further you must accept, at least as a working theory, that you are not what you appear to be, that you are under the influence of a drug. Then only will you have the urge and the patience to examine the symptoms and search for their common cause. All that a Guru can tell you is: ‘My dear Sir, you are quite mistaken about yourself. You are not the person you think yourself to be.’ Trust nobody, not even yourself. Search, find out, remove and reject every assumption till you reach the living waters and the rock of truth. Until you are free of the drug, all your religions and sciences, prayers and Yogas are of no use to you, for based on a mistake, they strengthen it. But if you stay with the idea that you are neither the body nor the mind, not even their witness, but altogether beyond: your mind will grow in clarity; your desires in purity; your actions in charity, and that inner distillation will take you to another world, a world of truth and fearless love. Resist your old habits of feeling and thinking; keep on telling yourself: ‘No, not so, it cannot be so; I am not like this, I do not need it, I do not want it’, and a day will surely come when the entire structure of error and despair will collapse and the ground will be free for a new life. After all, you must remember, that all your preoccupations with yourself are only in your waking hours and partly in your dreams; in sleep all is put aside and forgotten. It shows how little important is your waking life, even to yourself, that merely lying down and closing the eyes can end it. Each time you go to sleep you do so without the least certainty of waking up and yet you accept the risk." -- Nisargadatta Maharaj

[@marzipantorte]

@* e m m i e * thank you for introducing me to rilke!! I'm german so i've only ever known him from school and i thought he would be so boring and bland but once i heard you talk about him with such passion i finally looked into the book of hours and my mind is blown!! for once in my life i'm grateful to know german and to be able to read this in the original!!

[@DuncanMaguire]

I found Rilke through the music of Anton Webern; his music also introduced me to Georg Trakl and Stefan George :)

[@lumi3806]

I don’t know when I got it but I have a book of his selected poems with german script. I first began reading it in snippets a year ago. I’ve fallen in love with his words, his emotions. His work is bittersweet to me; it makes me so sad in the best way. Thank you for making this video, ive purchased more of his work since then.

[@ronlyons7455]

So fine a contribution to appreciating Rilke. Thank you 💜 and good job putting yourself Out-There He changed my life as well, from when I first came up on Letters To a Young Poet, in NYC , 1980. I tracked his ghost in Switzerland, specifically Soglio. And took him along on a solo backpack trip in California..Ever sublime. At a time of my own crisis, of How I may love my life...I wrote a poem to myself, which began: "Never kill- off your inner Rilke ...Your life, when you most need it may depend on your pushing through...The Sonnets blossom from the Elegies, and are veined with their dark ore..."

[@fanny3647]

I don't remember why, but I first read rilke letters right after reading Hermann Hesse Demian, and they both had a huge impact on me. They became very close to my heart. Thank you for this awesome video!

[@zainabelmadhoni6856]

Rilke's poetry is amazing, but i never knew where to start, thank you for this guide

[@chonkykitty4837]

Some words of love: It is through your love, vitality and passion that my spirit has been revived. I thank you for shareing your joy with the world and am grateful to be in a world that allows such immediate exchanges. Through you I have begun to rediscover myself with new words, new authors, and new stories. You are loved and appreciated! I am most thankful to being introduced to Rainer Maria Rilka - someone who speaks into my soul. Thank you.

[@mariawithmakeup]

I discovered Rilke’s work for the first time through Letters to a Young Poet, in college & I absolutely resonate with the idea of it changing your life. Reading Rilke’s work is such a rewarding experience.

[@srilaasyamoka]

6:53 this is a really old video and you might not even see this comment, I too discovered Rilke through the Wolves of Mercy Falls series. I was 11 at the time and was a kid who was more into prose than poetry, Rilke to this day is the only poet that I never get tired of. His works make me want to learn German because I always wonder how much more nuanced his pieces might be in their original form.

[@hfm8288]

I just finished reading malte laurids brigge, the first work of rilke that I've read. I went in blindly, without any prior knowledge about his life and work. Although I felt very moved by first part of the book, I found the second part (especially near the ending) much more confusing, like I was missing something.The fact that its somewhat autobiographical makes a lot of sense, as if he were writing more for himself than anyone else. I still enjoyed it even though I didn't fully understand it, it left me with a very haunting feeling. I'm definitely adding "Letter to a young poet" to my to-read list after watching your video!

[@midneen]

I first encountered Rilke with the line "Strange, though, alas! are the streets of the city of pain," from the Duino Elegies, which was used as a chapter epigraph in one of the books of David Zindell (either Neverness or one of the Requiem for Homo Sapiens books).

[@florencegreen3146]

I wanted to listened to Rilke, I do for a long time, every day in the morning one poem. and I met this beautiful girl, i had to listen to you Emma, it was lovely. now learn german, live in Austria some years and read him again. it will be a surprise to find his words in yours, his soul in you. it will be one language. I love Austria, it was a present of God to live there some years. I whish you that experience too.

[@sergiorome48]

I discovered Rilke by accident, I was looking for philosophy books in a bookstore. I then saw a Rilke’s expression on the cover of a book, his expression drew me in. I knew nothing about it, except for the title and his expression. I honestly read the book “letters to a young poet” without knowing who he was. Honestly one of the best books I have ever read.

[@judithslay]

You are one of Rilke's souls!

[@starwolven]

Rilke is very special. Hmm....he follows along well with the transcendentalists of the 19th century (H.D. Thoreau and R.W. Emerson) I first initially discovered Rainer Maria Rilke looking up quotes about dragons and soon discovered the masterpiece 'letters to a young poet', where I felt... humbled for the first time in ages. This brilliant man from the turn of the century was giving me a talking-to in a way that reached me. I 'felt' him through his words, and immediately understood that he knew. Rilke understood. He is the poet's poet. The wandering muse to ignite the vestiges of fire within!

[@mouktaralbert7062]

I was introduced to Rilke when I read Hans and Sophie Scholl’s diaries and correspondences. They just kept talking about him.

[@loudoniii]

I discovered Rilke from my Venus Sequence studies of the Gene Keys by Richard Rudd. Richard recorded a passionate video about Rilke as one of the Ecstatics, where he very enthusiastically introduces Rilke’s work. Right now I have started with Letters to a young poet, which I am enjoying immensely! Thank you too for so brightly and energetically communicating your love for Rilke’s work! Love & peace, Paul

[@richgilbertson8273]

For many years I collected Rilke books. I have a rare book of letters to princess Maria. The notebooks of Malti Reading that is like a paragraph is a lifetime... It's the most challenging book to try to focus and not let your mind wander... Rilke will take you to these places...

[@Caradas33]

Well Emmie...having just listened to your explanation of Rilke...I have just ordered Letters to a Young Poet. I am Irish but I speak fluent German...I will start with this and then maybe move to German...He was always on my list but you have just moved him to the top...Take care...John

[@portiagriffey4403]

Thank you so much for your enchanting, reflective and inspiring introduction to Rilke. I shall certainly begin to read him. My encounter with Rilke is while reading my mother's love letters of 1960. She quotes Rilke saying - a love that consists of two solitudes protecting and bordering on, and greeting each other.

[@sukki6052]

I'm here early! I was binging your videos and came across this

[@Odeux]

Hey, Emma. I have yet to meet you, like 3 years from back then; however, I do love how you talk about him. His poems also saved my life, one of his poems: "Duino Elegies" was offered to me by my psychiatrist. I loved him so much and how he shared his own perspective of life. I cannot thank you enough for sharing such a beautiful man with a perfect soul! Oh, and nice to meet you!

[@voodoochild817]

I am 58. When I was about 28, I came across a copy of Rilke's "Letters to a Young Poet" after which, I read everything I could get my hands on. Still do.

[@S317537]

Thank you for introducing me to Rilke. I first read the dark interval and loved it. I gave the book away to a friend going through grieve. Now I’m reading book of hours. Thank you for your recommendation ❤

[@melanieventer3511]

I've been wanting to get into Rilke for so long (All thanks to you of course😊) but never knew where to start. Thank you so much for making this🖤

[@charlesbelanger924]

The first time i ever heard of Rilke was by Stefan Sweig in his memoir ''The World of Yesterday'' wich is an incredible book and he quickly became my favorite author

[@shiwangeechandrakar4240]

I screamed when I saw this video bc I don't know anyone irl who has read him. I relate w you so hard I will cry. Rilke is all I think about half the time. I found letters to a young poet in a bookstore while I was working during my semester break. I did not expect that little book to save my life but it did. I go absolutely feral when people on the internet or works of art mention him bc it's so uncommon. I'm glad I came across your video.

[@yousuckcharlie2350]

when i first read the duino elegies i didn’t quite understand it but i still infatuated, this is beautiful to know how all of his works add onto each other and how it all works together, i haven’t quite read through all of it yet, but i’m glad to finish i have left after i’ve finished some of his other works, thank you so much for this

[@madeleine8662]

i'm from austria myself (we speak german here) and seeing your love for rilke makes me soo happy

[@chiragsharma_]

Rilke is envious of what this video is. ❤️

[@chiragsharma_]

Love 3001 😭

[@annazhou3732]

screamed a little inside when i saw this in my subscription box!!

[@emanuelsaavedra6533]

I'm having one of the worst weeks in this year so far, but watching you talk about something so precious to you is a good way to forget about it. I'm already looking to buy one of Rilke works because of you ❤️

[@yousuckcharlie2350]

i was reading the time travlers wife and there was a quote from the duino elegies that really stuck with me so i bought the full translation as long as sonnets to orpheus, im currently reading letters to a young poet and rilkes been with me ever since

[@nitro3921]

Even though this video is old, I ought to comment. I came across Rilke in quite a precarious time for myself, not too long ago and possibly still enshrouded and dazed by uncertainty and turmoil I happened upon Rilke's 'Archaic Torso of Apollo'. The way his words unfurled like elixir in absolute brilliance about this figure utterly enchanted me, I felt an almost euphoria the way a man could rapture language to speak with such intensity to summate an immense beauty in an elegy about how we in existence are pierced by it and must allow it and ourselves to be changed by it.

[@daynagould5213]

Thanks for the video Emma. I just got myself the book Stories of God. I look forward to reading it and exploring more of his work!

[@myangeljin_]

I've discovered your channel a month ago and whenever you talked about rilke it sounded so lovely, then I took interest in reading more about him. While I was searching for where to star reading german literature, I saw his name and immediately remembered you and your love for his works. Thank you so so so much for talking about him, it made me much more curious about him and what kind of books he wrote. I was relieved to find his works translated to my native language (portuguese) because I feel I'll enjoy them more in this way. I can't express how thankful I am for all the amazing books and writers you've already recommended to me

[@CarrieBarrieintheDesert]

New to your channel and 6 months late to the conversation, however, I had to thank you for this. 5 sec version of why; I lost my 12yo son in the worst way. Trauma physically changes a person fundamentally. To survive, I had to find another way to look at death and this life. I had to find a way to close the gap between where he is an I am, to know there is no gap to be had. I have just recently been introduced to Rilke and I've never reads words that cut through and spoke directly to my soul. To my soul's soul. Thank you, sincerely, for these recommendations. Thank you for all your videos and for putting simplistic beauty into the world.

[@theministryofutmosthappiness]

I can't stop smiling while watching this❤️

[@NoName-rx9lo]

I couldn't stop crying 🥺

[@nurnichtausliebeweinen2240]

Growing up in Germany with a poetryloving mum, I have loved the poem "Herbsttag" my whole life. Today, while thrifting, I came across a book with his poems and brought it home. Thank you for this video, it was a pleasure to watch! So much knowledge and such devotion...! Out of impulse I looked up a few English translations of Herbsttag and found them disappointing. All seemed to be lacking the striking beauty of the original. Maybe a reason to learn German for Rilke lovers :-)

[@myratogonon]

Your voice is soothing! Your YT content is always relaxing!

[@tammarabg8174]

I am 62 and yesterday, I read my first Rilke poem, "I live my life in widening circles". I found it written on Jimin's chest in a music video. Intrigued, I started to read several other Rilke poems, and I realized I need a bit of guidance...so here I am.

[@Urkeuse]

It's so nice to see how passionate you are, you made me want to read him !

[@zephyrlee9762]

THANK YOU, and i love u 🥺 your voice, thoughts, kindness... everything. just thank u for existing.

[@crystallu5692]

My encounter with Rilke was so coincidental. It’s like a meant-to-be. I just picked up letters to a young poet on the college library shelf when I was looking for some other poems which I didn’t even remember now. I thought it’s a short book so why not. But it took me three years to read because I’m scared of finishing it. When reading the first paragraph, I immediately knew it’s gonna be my favorite. Thank you so much for the recommendation!!!

[@angelaguayara147]

I met him while I was Reading "le livre tibétain de la vie et la mort" and I feel tout when you Said; it totally changed me ❤

[@alisaleh8903]

I first found Rilke, funny enough, in the caption of an instagram post. His words resonated and his ideas were fascinating, especially, like you said, the syntax and the imagery. Thank you for producing this video. I have been meaning to get into Rilke for a long time and unsure of where to begin. He, just like he is for you, is one of my favorite poets.

[@Pollack315]

Rilke was recommended by a theologian I admire, Richard Rohr. After read a couple of his popular poems, I immediately ordered three of his books. Very much looking forward to sinking into them this weekend! :) thank you for sharing and your passion!

[@emmaopaline]

First time I heard about Rainer Maria Rilke was on a French-German TV chanbel Arte with a documentary on his life and poetry He encourages me to leatn mire German Great video ❤