Discussion Points

Letter One - Rilke

1.   Briefly consider the meaning of each exerpt from "Letter One", and then write a brief reaction:

		(a) 		"Things aren't all so tangible and sayable as people would usually have us believe."
					Why or why not?

		(b) 		"No one can advise or help you - no one."
					Is this true?  How so?

		(c)		"Find out the reason that commands you to [to study X or Y at MU]; see whether it has 
					spread its roots into the very depths of your heart; confess to yourself whether you 
					would have to die if you were forbidden to [X or Y]. 
					Why should I do this?  What is its benefit?

		(d)		"If your everyday life seems poor, don't blame it; blame yourself; 
					admit to yourself that you are not enough of a [poet, chemist, accountant, etc] 
					to call forth its riches."
					Do you agree?  Why or why not?

2.  Write a brief definition or give an example of the following terms:

		(a) your sorrows 
		(b) your desires
		(c) your thoughts
		(d) your belief in some kind of beauty    
		(e) your solitude 

3.  How do you define community?

		(a) Sharing, participation, and fellowship. 
		(b)A group of people having common interests.
		(c) The district or locality in which such a group lives.
		(d) Society as a whole; the public.

4.  How do you define service?

		(a) Work done[activity, task, labor] for others  as an occupation or a business.
		(b) Offering services [tutoring, teaching, counseling, supporting existing community 
			groups like---health care, child care, transportation, housing----, creating new 
			community groups to face issues like--neighborhood improvement, public safety 
			crime preventionand community improvement---create new organizational 
			structures--clubs, interest groups, etc.---and recreation] to the public in 
			response to need or demand.
		(c) An act of assistance or benefit to another or others.
		(d) An act of devotion to God.


5.  What community service would consider to be both a collective and individual experience?