QuoteProject
When someone seeks," said Siddhartha, "then it easily happens that his eyes see only the thing that he seeks, and he is able to find nothing, to take in nothing because he always thinks only about the thing he is seeking, because he has one goal, because he is obsessed with his goal. Seeking means: having a goal. But finding means: being free, being open, having no goal.
Hermann Hesse
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote highlights the difference between seeking with intense focus and being open to discovery without a specific goal.

Hermann Hesse's quote emphasizes that when a person becomes overly fixated on a goal, they may become blind to other possibilities and experiences. In contrast, true discovery comes from a state of openness and freedom, where one is not confined by the limitations of specific objectives, allowing for a more enriching understanding of life.

Themes

SeekingFindingGoalsFreedomObsession

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be shared in a motivational speech to encourage people to embrace spontaneity.

More from Hermann Hesse

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.
Hermann HesseRead
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.
Hermann HesseRead
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.
Hermann HesseRead
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.
Hermann HesseRead
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.
Hermann HesseRead
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.
Hermann HesseRead

Similar quotes

It may be the cock that crows, but it is the hen that lays the eggs.
Margaret ThatcherRead
Life is too short to be wasted in finding answers. Enjoy the questions.
Paulo CoelhoRead
When you learn about the teaching and the practice of another tradition, you always have a chance to understand your own teaching and practice.
Thich Nhat HanhRead
You used to be much more..."muchier." You've lost your muchness.
Lewis CarrollRead
Your attitude is like the minds paintbrush. It can paint everything in bright, vibrant colors-creating a masterspiece.
John C. MaxwellRead
Defeat in this world is no disgrace and that is what they cannot understand. If you really fought well and fought for the right thing.
Katherine Anne PorterRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.