Rainer Maria Rilke
Geschichten vom lieben Gott
"Geschichten vom lieben Gott" by Rainer Maria Rilke is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The book delves into themes of spirituality, human existence, and the relationship between humanity and the divine, often approached with a whimsical and philosophical tone. Through a series of narratives, Rilke explores how children perceive God and the universe, framing these tales in a way that reflects both wonderment and inquiry. The opening of the work introduces a conversation between a narrator and his neighbor about the numerous questions children have regarding God. As they discuss the inquisitive nature of children, the narrator hints at his intention to share a story about "the hands of God." He reflects on the process of creation, and how God, absorbed in His work, realizes the consequence of having not paid attention to the world He created. This sets the stage for a narrative that interweaves a child's perspective with profound existential themes, suggesting a journey of discovery about the divine and its connection to humanity. The tone is conversational yet profound, with an underlying sense of urgency to convey deeper truths to both the neighbor and an imagined child audience.