“I believe that one is never more just than at those moments when one admires unreservedly and with absolute devotion.”
In this quote, Rilke suggests that true justice lies in moments of pure admiration and devotion. By emphasizing the value of wholehearted admiration, he implies that genuine appreciation can lead to a heightened sense of fairness and righteousness. This perspective challenges the conventional notion of justice based solely on logic and reason, adding a deeper emotional element to the concept. Ultimately, Rilke prompts us to consider the role of admiration in our moral understanding and ethical decisions.
Rainer Maria Rilke's quote serves as a reminder of the power of genuine admiration and devotion in fostering justice. In today's fast-paced and often divisive world, taking time to appreciate others with complete sincerity can lead to greater understanding and empathy. By embracing admiration and devotion towards one another, we can strive towards creating a more just and harmonious society.
“I believe that one is never more just than at those moments when one admires unreservedly and with absolute devotion.” - Rainer Maria Rilke
Reflecting on the quote by Rainer Maria Rilke, consider moments in your life when you have felt absolute admiration and devotion towards someone or something. 1. How did you feel in those moments? 2. Did these moments bring out a sense of justice within you? 3. Have there been moments when you were able to admire someone unreservedly even in challenging situations? 4. How can you incorporate more admiration and devotion into your daily life to cultivate a sense of justice?
“There is nothing more terrifying than the absoluteness of one who believes he's right.”
“Was that me? Yes it was. Was that him? No it wasn't.. Just a trick of the woods! Just a moment, One peculiar passing moment. Must it all be either less or more, Either plain or grand? Is it always 'or'? Is it never 'and'? That's what woods are for: For those moments in the woods... Oh, if life were made of moments, Even now and then a bad one--! But if life were only moments, Then you'd never know you had one. First a witch, then a child, then a Prince, then a moment-- Who can live in the woods? And to get what you wish, only just for a moment-- These are dangerous woods.. Let the moment go.. Don't forget it for a moment, though. Just remembering you had an 'and,' when you're back to 'or,' Makes the 'or' mean more than is did before. Now I understand--And it's time to leave the woods.”
“There's no one more obnoxious and self-righteous than the self-made man. And no one more admirable.”
“What a test that is: more than devotion, admiration, passion. If you long and long for someone’s company you love them.”
“I was never more hated than when I tried to be honest. Or when, even as just now I've tried to articulate exactly what I felt to be the truth. No one was satisfied”