How beautiful the world was when one looked at it, without searching... just looked, simply and innocently.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the beauty of the world when observed with an open and innocent perspective, free from preconceived notions.
Hermann Hesse's quote reflects the idea that genuine appreciation of the world around us comes when we observe it without the filters of judgment or expectation. In a society often clouded by distractions and biases, approaching the world with simplicity and innocence allows us to experience its inherent beauty more profoundly. It encourages a mindset of mindfulness and presence, which can unveil the wonders that lie in everyday life.
In practice
In a discussion about the importance of slowing down and appreciating life, I shared this quote to emphasize the need for mindfulness.
I shall no longer be instructed by the Yoga Veda or the Aharva Veda, or the ascetics, or any other doctrine whatsoever. I shall learn from myself, be a pupil of myself; I shall get to know myself, the mystery of Siddhartha." He looked around as if he were seeing the world for the first time.
That is where my dearest and brightest dreams have ranged β to hear for the duration of a heartbeat the universe and the totality of life in its mysterious, innate harmony.
I, also, would like to look and smile, sit and walk like that, so free, so worthy, so restrained, so candid, so childlike and mysterious. A man only looks and walks like that when he has conquered his Self. I also will conquer my Self.
You're quite right there," he said. "I have practiced abstinence myself for years, and had my time of fasting, too, but now I find myself once more beneath the sign of Aquarius, a dark and humid constellation.
I call that man awake who, with conscious knowledge and understanding, can perceive the deep unreasoning powers in his soul, his whole innermost strength, desire and weakness, and knows how to reckon with himself.
Despair is the result of each earnest attempt to go through life with virtue, justice and understanding, and to fulfill their requirements. Children live on one side of despair, the awakened on the other side.
Because, once alone, it is impossible to believe that one could ever have been otherwise. Loneliness is an absolute discovery.
And I saw that the sacred hoop of my people as one of many hoops that made one circle.
i usedta live in the world really be in the world free & sweet talkin good mornin & thank-you & nice day uh huh i cant now i cant be nice to nobody nice is such a rip-off regular beauty & a smile in the street is just a set-up
People will always prefer black-and-white over shades of grey, and so there will always be the temptation to hold overly-simplified beliefs and to hold them with excessive confidence
If a plant cannot live according to its nature, it dies; and so a man.
What you hope, you will eventually believe. _x000D_ What you believe you will eventually know. What you know, you will eventually create. What you create, _x000D_ you will eventually experience. What you experience, _x000D_ you will eventually express. What you express, _x000D_ you will eventually become. _x000D_ This is the formula for all of life.
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