Those who are too lazy and comfortable to think for themselves and be their own judges obey the laws. Others sense their own laws within them.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of independent thinking over blind obedience to external rules.
Hermann Hesse's quote contrasts two types of individuals: those who passively accept societal laws without questioning them, and those who cultivate their own inner sense of morality and judgment. It suggests that true wisdom and personal integrity come from self-reflection and the courage to think for oneself, rather than conforming to the expectations of society.
In practice
This quote can be used in a motivational seminar to encourage critical thinking and self-reflection.
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.
It takes writing a billion bad words before you get to the good ones.
People are afraid, very much afraid of those who know themselves. They have a certain power, a certain aura and a certain magnetism.
The secret of contentment is the realization that life is a gift, not a right. Next to faith this is the highest art - to be content with the calling in which God has placed you.
People do not want advice - they want corroboration.
Power ceases in the instant of repose; it resides in the moment of transition from a past to a new state, in the shooting of the gulf, in the darting to an aim.
There are so many things that pop up. If you are paying attention, you can learn every second of the day. Life is my guru.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.