One must find the source within one's own Self, one must possess it. Everything else was seeking -- a detour, an error.
Interpretation
True fulfillment comes from self-discovery and understanding oneself, rather than seeking validation externally.
Hermann Hesse emphasizes the importance of internal exploration and the necessity of understanding oneself to find true purpose and meaning in life. The quote suggests that seeking fulfillment or validation from external sources is ultimately misguided and leads one away from authentic self-awareness and self-possession.
In practice
In a motivational speech about self-awareness, one might say, 'As Hermann Hesse said, one must find the source within one's own Self.'
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.
Today we often think that before we start living a religious life we have first to accept the creedal doctrines and that before one can have any comprehension of the loyalty and trust of faith, one must first force one's mind to accept a host of incomprehensible doctrines. But this is to put the cart before the horse.
The criminalization of marijuana did not prevent marijuana from becoming the most widely used illegal substance in the United States and many other countries. But it did result in extensive costs and negative consequences.
I thought if war did not include killing, I'd like to see one every year.
Beyond ideas, there's a field. Will you meet me there?
The augmentation of slaves weakens the states; and such a trade is diabolical in itself, and disgraceful to mankind.
I embarked on my life - I didn't do anything. I don't have an explanation.
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