Meaning: The quote "Love is like the measles. The older you get it, the worse the attack" is attributed to the renowned poet Rainer Maria Rilke. Rilke, a Bohemian-Austrian poet and novelist, is widely recognized for his significant contributions to German literature. This thought-provoking quote draws a compelling analogy between love and the measles, suggesting that as one grows older, the experience of love becomes more intense and overwhelming, akin to the worsening symptoms of the measles virus.

At first glance, Rilke's comparison may seem rather unconventional, as love is typically associated with positive emotions and experiences, while the measles represents a potentially dangerous and contagious disease. However, upon deeper reflection, the analogy offers a profound insight into the nature of love and its impact on individuals as they age.

Love, in its various forms, has long been a subject of fascination and contemplation for poets, writers, and philosophers throughout history. It encompasses a spectrum of emotions, ranging from joy and passion to vulnerability and pain. Rilke's comparison to the measles suggests that the effects of love, much like a disease, can become increasingly potent and consuming as one matures. This notion challenges the commonly held belief that love mellows with age, proposing instead that it may intensify and become more overwhelming over time.

The analogy also sheds light on the transformative power of love. Just as the measles virus can have a profound impact on the body, causing physical discomfort and alteration, love has the potential to deeply affect an individual's emotional and psychological state. Rilke's comparison hints at the idea that as people grow older, their capacity to experience and process love may evolve, leading to a more profound and all-encompassing emotional "attack" akin to the worsening symptoms of the measles.

Furthermore, the analogy may also speak to the contagious nature of love. Much like the spread of the measles virus, love has the ability to influence and deeply affect those who come into contact with it. As individuals age and accumulate experiences, the impact of love on their lives and relationships may become more pronounced, affecting not only their own emotional state but also those around them.

Rilke's quote encapsulates the complexities of love and its enduring relevance across different stages of life. By likening love to the measles, he offers a thought-provoking perspective on the evolving nature of love and its potential to profoundly impact individuals as they grow older. This comparison invites contemplation on the transformative, intense, and contagious aspects of love, challenging conventional notions and prompting a deeper understanding of its profound influence on the human experience.

In conclusion, Rilke's quote "Love is like the measles. The older you get it, the worse the attack" invites us to reevaluate our perceptions of love and its effects over time. Through this analogy, he prompts us to consider the evolving nature of love, its transformative power, and its ability to deeply affect individuals as they age. This thought-provoking comparison serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of love in the human experience and encourages a deeper exploration of its impact on our lives.