My real self wanders elsewhere, far away, wanders on and on invisibly and has nothing to do with my life.
Interpretation
This quote expresses the idea that one's true identity may be disconnected from their external life or circumstances.
Hermann Hesse's quote reflects a profound introspection about the nature of the self and identity. It suggests that while a person may appear to live a certain life on the outside, their true essence or 'real self' may be yearning for something beyond the mundane realities of everyday existence. This disconnection highlights the human experience of feeling out of place or unfulfilled in one's current situation, resonating with the desire for deeper meaning and connection.
In practice
Using this quote in a philosophical discussion about the nature of identity.
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.
The last official act of any government is to loot the treasury.
Hearing often-times the still, sad music of humanity, nor harsh nor grating, though of ample power to chasten and subdue.
We drift down time, clutching at straws. But what good's a brick to a drowning man?
The slave frees himself when, of all the relations of private property, he abolishes only the relation of slavery and thereby becomes a proletarian; the proletarian can free himself only by abolishing private property in general.
SOONER OR LATER ALL MEN MUST DIE. EVERYTHING DIES IN THE END. I CAN BE ROBBED BUT NEVER DENIED, I TOLD MYSELF. WHY WORRY? βI too cannot be cheated,β snapped Fate.
If you and I are to live religious lives, it mustn't be that we talk a lot about religion, but that our manner of life is different. It is my belief that only if you try to be helpful to other people will you in the end find your way to God.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.