Some books take us places. New places, periods, or even states of mind. Some books introduce us to complex characters that keep us on the edge of our seats. Similarly, the book we’re sharing today is a mode of transportation. However, instead of taking us to a foreign place or introducing us to colorful characters, at its core, this book serves both as a map and a guide to navigating the internal waters of One’s higher self—or the artistic self.
A Beautiful Exchange
Before we dive deeper, it’s necessary that we first discuss how this book came to be. Franz Xaver Kappus, a young writer, not yet twenty, sent his poems and questions to the Austrian poet and novelist, and author of the contents of this book Rainer Maria Rilke who at the time was only 28 years old. The inquiry led to an exchange that lasted half a decade and resulted in the 10 letters found in Letters to A Young Poet. I came across this book in my early twenties and it was my introduction to the work of Rilke. Since then, I’ve personally owned at least three copies ever since.
Portrait painting of Rainer Maria Rilke (4 December 1875, Praag - 29 December 1926, Montreux) by Leonid Pasternak
The Answer is in You
When I meet anyone who is looking for answers outside of themselves, I lend them this book. If I ever meet anyone who is struggling with the creative process, not in the technical sense, but just overall the process of creation, I recommend this book. If I ever suspect that someone is a poet and I find out that they haven't read this book, I give them this book.
Letters To A Young Poet occupies a very special place on our bookshelf. The heartfelt words assist us in building the courage to make and follow our path. For example, the first highlight comes from the first letter which is in response to Franz's request for criticism of his poems. Rilke declined to do so. Instead, he writes in his reply to the young poet this: “Nobody can counsel and help you, nobody. There is only one single way.”
Go into yourself. Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart; confess to yourself whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. This most of all: ask yourself in the most silent hour of your night: must I write? Dig into yourself for a deep answer. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this solemn question with a strong, simple “I must,” then build your life in accordance with this necessity; your while life, even into its humblest and most indifferent hour, must become a sign and witness to this impulse.
Crafting Meaning
Because of its descriptive title, some may think this book is about how to write poetry. In a way, it is. But it’s far more than that. Rilke writes so passionately about what it takes to reach into the inner depth of oneself for the source of all the answers: meaning. That's why I think it's important, I dare say even necessary, that everyone who is involved in anything remotely creative or anything at all that touches on craft read this book.
Rilke goes on to write:
A work of art is good if it has arisen out of necessity. That is the only way one can judge it. So, dear Sir, I can’t give you any advice but this: to go into yourself and see how deep the place is from which your life flows; at its source you will find the answer to the question whether you must create. Accept that answer, just as it is given to you, without trying to interpret it. Perhaps you will discover that you are called to be an artist. Then take the destiny upon yourself, and bear it, its burden and its greatness, without ever asking what reward might come from outside. For the creator must be a world for himself and must find everything in himself and in Nature, to whom his whole life is devoted.
When he writes about what it takes to become an artist, Rilke is direct. It is a process that involves “bearing” a “burden” along with its “greatness.” He’s letting the young poet know what it is he’s getting into. Essentially, this book is a book about living and experiencing well. At least, that’s what we think. But we’re curious to hear your thoughts on it as well. If you haven't read this book already and your curiosity is piqued in any way, I urge you to listen to your curiosity and open it up and see what it reveals about yourself. ⚜️