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Extinguish my sight, and I can still see you; plug up my ears, and I can still hear; even without feet I can walk toward you, and without mouth I can still implore. Break off my arms, and I will hold you with my heart as if it were a hand; strangle my heart, and my brain will still throb; and should you set fire to my brain, I still can carry you with my blood.

Rainer Maria Rilke#18

PhilosophyLoveSpiritualityHeartSenses

About this quote

What does it mean?
Even if the senses are removed, love persists; the heart holds the beloved beyond physical limits.
In plain terms
Love endures even without sight, sound, or touch.
What can you take from it?
Cultivate love that is not dependent on external senses.

Where it applies

  • loss of a partner
  • disability

Putting it to work

  • meditate on inner love
  • express affection verbally

Questions to consider

  • What does love look like without sensory input?
  • Can love truly be independent of the body?

Another view

The metaphor may overlook the importance of physical connection.

More from Rainer Maria Rilke

  1. What is required of us is that we love the difficult and learn to deal with it. In the difficult are the friendly forces, the hands that work on us. Right in t…

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  2. Ich bin auf der Welt zu allein und doch nicht allein genug, um jede Studen zu weihen. Ich bin auf der Welt zu gering und doch nicht klein genug, um vor dir zu …

    Permalink to quote #19
  3. Not since Moses has anyone seen a mountain so greatly.

    Permalink to quote #16

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