In the deepest hour of the night, confess to yourself that you would die if you were forbidden to write. And look deep into your heart where it spreads its roots, the answer, and ask yourself, must I write?

Rainer Maria Rilke
About This Quote

Writers were known to have very long, solitary working hours. They spent most of their time writing with little or no social interaction. Many even reported having nightmares about being unable to write. It is said that the most important thing in any writer’s life is his or her ability to write.

If someone were to tell you that they couldn’t write, you would likely offer them friendship and support. But what would you do if they didn’t have the ability to write? Would you allow them to keep hurting themselves? What if they asked for help with their writing but also asked you to stop helping? Would you pay attention? Would you be supportive? Would you lend a hand? What would you do if they told you that writing was the only thing that kept them going?

Source: Letters To A Young Poet

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