Love is like the measles. The older you get it, the worse the attack

Love is like the measles. The older you get it, the worse the attack

Rainer Maria Rilke, a renowned poet and writer, often explored the complexities of love in his works. The quote "Love is like the measles. The older you get it, the worse the attack" can be interpreted in various ways when considering Rilke's perspective on love.

Rilke believed that love was a transformative and all-encompassing force that could consume a person entirely. In his poetry, he often delved into the depths of human emotions and relationships, portraying love as a powerful and sometimes overwhelming experience. The comparison of love to the measles suggests that love, like a contagious disease, can spread rapidly and intensify with age.

As one grows older, they may become more susceptible to the effects of love, experiencing deeper emotions and stronger attachments. Rilke believed that love could be both a source of joy and pain, causing a person to feel vulnerable and exposed. Just as the measles can leave a person weakened and vulnerable, love can leave one feeling emotionally raw and exposed.

Rilke's exploration of love in his works often focused on the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of intimacy. He believed that love required courage and vulnerability, as well as a willingness to embrace the unknown. The quote "Love is like the measles. The older you get it, the worse the attack" can be seen as a reflection of Rilke's belief that love is a force that can both heal and harm, depending on how it is experienced.