In 1902, Rainer Maria Rilke receives a letter from a young man, Franz Xaver Kappus, a 19-year-old officer candidate with literary talent. Kappus is uncertain about the direction his life should take and therefore seeks advice from the great poet, who is only a few years older than him. Rilke responds in a completely unexpected manner. Over the following years, he writes Kappus nine more letters. They discuss, with his characteristic humble urgency, nothing less than the right way to live. The collection of Rilke's letters published by Franz Xaver Kappus in 1929 has made an impact and continues to inspire entire generations.