She stood before him and surrendered herself to him and sky, forest, and brook all came toward him in new and resplendent colors, belonged to him, and spoke to him in his own language. And instead of merely winning a woman he embraced the entire world and every star in heaven glowed within him and sparkled with joy in his soul. He had loved and had found himself. But most people love to lose themselves.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the transformative power of love and the connection it creates with the universe.
Hermann Hesse's quote captures the essence of love as an enlightening experience that transcends mere romantic connections. Through the act of surrendering oneself in love, the protagonist discovers a deeper awareness of himself, as well as a profound connection to the world around him. This love goes beyond personal gain; it encompasses a sense of unity with nature and the cosmos, illustrating that true love leads to both self-discovery and a vibrant view of existence. In contrast, the quote reflects on how many people seek to lose themselves in love rather than find their true selves.
In practice
This quote can be used in a wedding speech to emphasize the beauty of love and connection.
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 — 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.
From that moment our love became sad, and sadness is a disease which gives the death-blow to affection.
If the praise of others elates me and their blame depresses me; if I cannot rest under misunderstandin g without defending myself; if I love to be loved more than to love, to be served more than to serve, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
Young love needs dangers and barriers to nourish it.
I have an everyday religion that works for me. Love yourself first, and everything else falls into line.
I want in fact more of you. In my mind I am dressing you with light; I am wrapping you up in blankets of complete acceptance and then I give myself to you. I long for you; I who usually long without longing, as though I am unconscious and absorbed in neutrality and apathy, really, utterly long for every bit of you.
Lightning, your presence from ground to sky, no one knows what becomes of me, when you take me so quickly.
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