Hermann · Hesse, known as "the last knight of the German Romantics".
Hesse's pen is not only full of endless poetry and fantasy, but also contains a deep insight and unremitting pursuit of the essence of life. In that war-torn era, when the smoke of the First World War permeated the world, Hesse bravely stood at the forefront of the anti-war with his pen as a sword, but he also endured the cold eyes and isolation of society.
It was during these difficult years that gave birth to his immortal masterpiece, Siddhartha, which not only redeemed him, but also became a beacon for countless people to seek solace and hope in the low points of life.
1. Acceptance and embrace: the art of reconciliation with the world
"I no longer compare the world to the perfect world I want to shape, but I accept the world, love it, and belong to it."
This sentence is Hesse's profound interpretation of Siddhartha's attitude towards life through Siddhartha's mouth. It is like a clear spring, slowly washing every soul struggling between ideal and reality. In the journey of life, we may have had an infinite yearning for a perfect world, but reality often makes us hit a wall again and again in its unique way. Learning to accept and embrace this imperfect world is a must for growth and the beginning of inner strength.
2. Focus on the present: the true meaning of the beauty of life
"When a person can be so simple, so awakened, so focused on the present, and walk through the world without doubt, life is really a joy."
Through the story of Siddhartha, Hesse shows us the power of focusing on the present moment. In this fast-paced, high-pressure society, people are often haunted by the uncertainty of the future or the regrets of the past, ignoring the beauty of the present. However, true happiness and fulfillment are often hidden in these ordinary and real moments. When we can fully live in the moment, feel every moment of breathing, every warmth, and every smile, life will naturally bloom its brightest light.
3. Inner Voice: The Guidance of Self-Awakening
"Man should only obey his inner voice, not succumb to any external force, and wait for the moment of awakening."
Hesse's words are a strong call for individual independence and self-awakening. In a complex and ever-changing social environment, we are often confronted with voices and expectations from all directions, which may encourage, question, seduce, or oppress. But only by listening to and following your inner voice can you find your true path. Awakening is an indispensable process in everyone's life, which allows us to bravely break free from our shackles and pursue our true selves.
4. Living Here: The Search for Meaning and Essence
"'Meaning and essence are not hidden behind things, they are in things, in everything.
Life is not elsewhere, life is here. Hesse's words are the most direct and profound revelation of the essence of life. We are often looking for the meaning of life, but we often ignore the most ordinary and real things around us. Life is made up of these bits and pieces of daily life. Only when we feel, experience, and understand these seemingly insignificant things with our hearts can we discover the infinite possibilities and profound meanings contained in them. Life is here, between you and me.
In today's world of anxiety, depression, and mental exhaustion, Hesse's words can always bring us a touch of comfort and strength.
It has been said that whenever people question the meaning of existence and lose their ideals and goals, Hesse's books are the best spiritual habitat. His words, like music from heaven, strike at the deepest part of your soul, clear the fog from the bottom of your heart and show you the way.
If you are miserable, hesitant, angry, hopeless, feeling out of place with the world and unable to find a way out, then read Hesse's Siddhartha! The book discusses the questions of "why people live" and "how people should live." Carl Jung, the originator of psychology, exclaimed: "Reading Hesse's books is like seeing a lighthouse in the middle of a stormy night." His magnum opus, Siddhartha, was first published in 1922 and has been translated into 39 languages and sold worldwide.
No matter how lost, lonely or longing you are, please believe that as long as you stay awake, explore yourself, and let go of obsessions, you will definitely find inner peace and joy.
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse ¥29.8 Buy