And now let us believe in a long year that is given to us, new, untouched, full of things that have never been, full of work that has never been done, full of tasks, claims, and demands; and let us see that we learn to take it without letting fall too much of what it has to bestow upon those who demand of it necessary, serious, and great things.

Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1963) German poet
Letter to Clara Rilke (1 Jan 1907)
    (Source)

Usually paraphrased: "And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been."

 
Added on 31-Dec-15 | Last updated 31-Dec-15
Link to this post | 5 comments
Topics: , , , , ,
More quotes by Rilke, Rainer Maria

5 thoughts on “Letter to Clara Rilke (1 Jan 1907)”

  1. Pingback: ~~Admin - Doing the Numbers, 12/2020 | WIST

  2. Time for another “State of the WIST” post. I last ran this report in September 2022; time flies when you’re having fun. I’ve been pretty…

Thoughts? Comments? Corrections? Feedback?