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.
As a younger woman, that pressure got me down, but I've made my peace with it. With airbrushing and digital manipulation, fashion can project an unobtainable image that's dangerously unhealthy. I'm excited about the ageing process. I'm more interested in women who aren't perfect. They're more compelling.
It's ridiculous that we continue to incarcerate anyone for using a substance that actually causes far less damage than alcohol. No one goes out looking for fights on marijuana. No one dies from marijuana intoxication. And no one should be jailed for possessing marijuana.
To measure the man, measure his heart.
I am busily engaged in the study of the Bible. I believe it is God's word because it finds me where I am.
People with advantages are loath to believe that they just happen to be people with advantages.
Two conflicting forces cannot exist in one human heart. When doubt reigns, faith cannot abide. Where hatred rules, love is crowded out. Where selfishness rules, there love cannot dwell. When worry is present, trust cannot crowd its way in.
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