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.
When trying to remember my share in the glow of the eternal present, in the smile of God, I return to my childhood, too, for that is where the most significant discoveries turn up.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of childhood memories in understanding our place in the present and appreciating life's significance.
Hermann Hesse reflects on the profound insights gained from childhood experiences, suggesting that these early moments of innocence and wonder shape our identity and connection to the world. By looking back, he finds that the core of our existence and the joy of living can often be traced to the simplicity and clarity of our youth, suggesting that these formative years hold essential truths that guide us in the present.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a motivational speech about finding joy and meaning in life by reflecting on our past.
More from Hermann Hesse
All quotes →That is where my dearest and brightest dreams have ranged — 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.
Similar quotes
Littera scripta manet - 'The written word will remain'. That's true, but it won't be that much comfort to me.
A heart well prepared for adversity in bad times hopes, and in good times fears for a change in fortune.
You may control a mad elephant; You may shut the mouth of the bear and the tiger; Ride the lion and play with the cobra; By alchemy you may learn your livelihood; You may wander through the universe incognito; Make vassals of the gods; be ever youthful; You may walk in water and live in fire; But control of the mind is better and more difficult.
What I really hated, of course, was my mind. There must have been an off switch somewhere, but I was damned if I could find it.
Only if you're kind to yourself, can you be kind to others.
They say geniuses mostly have great mothers. They mostly have sad fates.