I want to be with those who know secret things or else alone.

"I want to be with those who know secret things or else alone." These words by Rainer Maria Rilke express the profound longing of the soul to connect with those who possess a deeper understanding of life, the mysteries, and the unknown. Rilke's desire to be in the company of those who know “secret things” reveals a universal truth: there is a hunger within the human heart for authenticity, depth, and truth—those rare qualities that transcend the superficial and speak to the most profound aspects of existence. Yet, Rilke also acknowledges the power of solitude, recognizing that when true connection cannot be found, it is better to walk alone than to engage in relationships that lack that essential depth.

This sentiment resonates deeply with the philosophers of the ancient world, many of whom also yearned for a kind of connection that went beyond the ordinary. The Greek philosophers, such as Plato and Aristotle, believed that true wisdom was something that could only be shared between those who had depth of thought and spiritual insight. Plato’s Theory of Forms suggests that only those who had the ability to transcend the physical world could glimpse the eternal truths of existence. For Plato, as for Rilke, there was an inherent solitude in seeking the deepest knowledge—one could not simply share these insights with anyone, but only with those who were also attuned to the same mysteries.

Consider the example of Socrates, whose pursuit of truth led him to engage with only those who could challenge his thoughts and engage in the philosophical journey of self-examination. Though Socrates had many followers, he did not seek popularity, nor did he choose to spend time with those who did not share in the search for wisdom. He was alone in his thoughts, constantly questioning the world around him, yet in his solitude, he found the wisdom to understand the true nature of life. Like Rilke, Socrates knew that true connection could not be found in the ordinary world of chatter, but only in the shared pursuit of knowledge and truth.

Similarly, Buddha, in his quest for enlightenment, recognized that not everyone was ready to understand the secret truths of existence. His journey toward self-realization was one of solitude, away from the distractions of society, in search of answers to the fundamental questions of life, suffering, and existence. Buddha’s teachings emphasized the need for inner wisdom, something that could not be simply given to others but had to be discovered through personal experience. In his moments of solitude, away from the world, Buddha found the ultimate truth that he would later share with those who sought it. Yet, he too understood that the deepest truths were often hidden, accessible only to those who were ready to listen and understand.

Rilke’s words express a deep discontent with shallow interactions and surface-level connections. In the modern world, where much of our lives are filled with distractions and the constant pull of social obligations, Rilke’s desire to seek out those who know the “secret things” speaks to our own longing for meaning. How often do we find ourselves in conversations that feel empty, where the words are hollow and the connections fleeting? Rilke, like the great thinkers before him, calls us to seek more—to dare to know the profound mysteries of life and to seek relationships that are rooted in truth and depth.

The lesson Rilke imparts is profound: true connection is not about quantity, but quality. We are often surrounded by people, yet still feel a deep loneliness, because we are not connecting on the level of truth and understanding. As we move through life, we must ask ourselves: are we seeking relationships that foster growth, that challenge us to think and feel deeply, or are we settling for relationships that only offer comfort and superficiality? Solitude, when embraced, is not an absence, but a space to find ourselves, to become attuned to the deep currents of our own thoughts and desires. And, when we do encounter those who share our quest for truth, those relationships become more valuable than any fleeting social connection.

In practical terms, this means we must be discerning in the relationships we cultivate. We must surround ourselves with those who encourage growth, who challenge us to question, and who seek something more than the ordinary experiences of life. Seek out the company of those who know the “secret things”—those who share a vision of the world that is deeper than the surface. And, when such relationships are not readily available, we must be willing to stand alone, trusting that in our solitude, we will find the strength to continue on our journey, knowing that the deepest truths are often revealed only in quiet reflection and personal discovery.

In conclusion, Rainer Maria Rilke’s reflection serves as both a challenge and an invitation—a challenge to seek deeper, more meaningful connections, and an invitation to embrace solitude when such connections are not found. As the ancient philosophers and seekers of truth understood, true wisdom and understanding come not from the surface of life, but from the depths of our inner world. Let us not shy away from solitude or settle for shallow interactions, but instead, let us seek those who share our desire for something more, for in those relationships and in those moments of alone time, we find the truth that gives meaning to our lives.