I love the passage on irony that Hitchens chooses to discuss when he refers to Rainer Maria Rilke, a Czech Republic born poet who was most commonly known for his transitional work from traditional to modern poetry.
"Don't let yourself be controlled by it, especially during uncreative moments. When you are fully creative, try to use it, as one more way to take hold of life." (Rilke, page 14)
I found this quote to be particularly capturing because of the time period where Rilke wrote some of his best work. To be unique was a risk, and for Rilke to express himself through his particular creativity was "one more way to take hold of life", one more way to set himself apart from the rest of the imaginative artists of his time. I admire artists who are bold, and that may be one reason for why artists are always looking for something to spark a controversy. Great epic heros were always looking to make a name for themselves, but that will only happen when a brave individual is willing to take that chance. Same goes for Rilke of his time, and modern artists of today.
"Used purely, it too is pure, and one needn't be ashamed of it; but if you feel yourself becoming too familiar with it, if you are afraid of this growing familiarity, then turn to great and serious objects, in front of which it become small and helpless." (Rilke, page 14)
Rilke's work focused on unpopular conversation topics, things that most people would be too uncomfortable to talk about - even now. He wrote some pretty initimate material, some having to do with blind disbelief, solitude, and anxiety. "One needn't be ashamed of it" he says, to face the irony of a situation. Or in other words, to be different from the general norm. Turning back on your beliefs will only bring you closer to being another blank figure in a crowd of unoriginal thinkers, "small and helpless".
No comments:
Post a Comment