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.
We are not held back by the love we didn't receive in the past, but by the love we're not extending in the present.
It takes a minute to have a crush on someone, an hour to like someone, and a day to love someone... but it takes a lifetime to forget someone.
The deep joy we take in the company of people with whom we have just recently fallen in love is undisguisable.
My American gay audience have continued to dance and sing to the music I make in a way that straight Americans haven't. I am grateful to them for that.
I have loved and been in love. There's a big difference.
And now I’m looking at you,” he said, “and you’re asking me if I still want you, as if I could stop loving you. As if I would want to give up the thing that makes me stronger than anything else ever has. I never dared give much of myself to anyone before – bits of myself to the Lightwoods, to Isabelle and Alec, but it took years to do it – but, Clary, since the first time I saw you, I have belonged to you completely. I still do. If you want me.
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