The opposite of every truth is just as true.
Interpretation
Truth can be subjective, and opposing viewpoints can hold validity.
This quote by Hermann Hesse suggests that for every established truth, there exists a contradictory perspective that can also be considered true. It challenges the notion of absolute truths, emphasizing that reality is often shaped by individual perceptions and that understanding opposing viewpoints can lead to a deeper comprehension of complex issues.
In practice
During a debate on ethics, one might quote this to highlight the complexity of moral truths.
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.
I shall strive not to be guilty of adding any fuel to the flames of hatred and passion which, if continued to be fed, promise to burn up whatever is left by the war of decent human feeling in Europe.
Much of the Christian religion has largely become βholding onβ instead of letting go. But God, it seems to me, does the holding on (to us!), and we must learn the letting go (of everything else).
If I were in the government, I would persuade the prime minister to see the beauty in the fact that people see Israel as a haven - from their sadness to their hope.
Even with the utterly lost, to whom life and death are equally jests, there are matters of which no jest can be made.
Alterius non sit qui suus esse potest. (Let no man belong to another that can belong to himself.)
Language is the house of the truth of Being.
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