Who travels far will often see things Far removed from what was believed as Truth.
Interpretation
Travel broadens perspectives and challenges preconceived notions of truth.
This quote by Hermann Hesse emphasizes that extensive travel exposes individuals to diverse cultures, ideas, and experiences, often revealing that what one once considered to be absolute truths may not hold up under scrutiny. As people journey into new territories, they frequently encounter alternative viewpoints that can reshape their understanding of the world.
In practice
In a motivational speech about personal growth and exploration.
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.
Belief is in ignorance. If you know, you know. And it is good that if you donβt know, know that you donβt know β the belief can deceive you. The belief can create an atmosphere in your mind, where, without knowing, you start thinking that you know. Belief is not trust, and the more strongly you say that you believe totally, the more you are afraid of the doubt within you.
I would rather speak the truth to ten men than blandishments and lying to a million. Try it, ye who think there is nothing in it! Try what it is to speak with God behind you, to speak so as to be only the arrow in the bow which the Almighty draws.
The best ideas make you want to say 'yes' and 'no' in the same breath.
I can see in what you call the dark, but which to me is golden.
My whole life, I never spoke a single-word.
Simple questions can be profound, and answering them requires us to make stark and honest - and sometimes painful - self-assessments.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.