So you find yourself surrounded by death and horror in the world, and you escape it into lust. But lust has no duration; it leaves you again in the desert.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the transient nature of lust as a temporary escape from the harsh realities of life.
Hermann Hesse's quote delves into the human tendency to seek escape from the grim aspects of existence, such as death and horror, through lustful pursuits. However, he points out that this escape is short-lived, ultimately leaving an individual in a desolate state, akin to a barren desert. The message emphasizes the futility of relying on fleeting pleasures to address deeper life challenges and suggests a need for more substantial forms of fulfillment.
In practice
In a discussion about the consequences of hedonism at a philosophy club meeting.
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.
This was another of our fears: that Life wouldn't turn out to be like Literature.
Why should workers agree to be slaves in a basically authoritarian structure? They should have control over it themselves. Why shouldn't communities have a dominant voice in running the institutions that affect their lives?
Every man is under the natural duty of contributing to the necessities of the society; and this is all the laws should enforce on him.
The best government is that which teaches us to govern ourselves.
Those who were unlucky in life in spite of their skills would eventually rise. The lucky fool might have benefited from some luck in life; over the longer run he would slowly converge to the state of a less-lucky idiot. Each one would revert to his long-term properties.
The true opponent in a debate on emptiness is your own ego.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.