In every truth, the opposite is equally true. For example, a truth can only be expressed and enveloped in words if it is onesided.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that truths are subjective and can only be fully understood when one perspective is taken.
Hermann Hesse's quote emphasizes the duality of truth, indicating that every truth is accompanied by its opposite. It suggests that to articulate a truth, one must present it from a single viewpoint, which inherently limits its completeness and depth. This highlights the complexity of understanding reality, as it often consists of conflicting perspectives that coexist.
In practice
During a debate, one might use this quote to illustrate that varying viewpoints exist on the same issue.
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.
Never to wrong others takes one a long way towards peace of mind.
Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.
What on earth prompted you to take a hand in this?" "I don't know. My⦠my code of morals, perhaps." "Your code of morals. What code, if I may ask?" "Comprehension.
Think of God; attachments will gradually drop away. If you wait till all desires disappear before starting your devotion and prayer, you will have to wait for a very long time indeed.
I found earthquakes, even when I was in them, deeply satisfying, abruptly revealed evidence of the scheme in action. That the schemes could destroy the works of man might be a personal regret but remained, in the larger picture I had come to recognize, a matter of abiding indifference. No eye was on the sparrow. No eye was watching me.
But this is the great danger America faces. That we will cease to be one nation and become instead a collection of interest groups: city against suburb, region against region, individual against individual. Each seeking to satisfy private wants.
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