Seeking means: to have a goal; but finding means: to be free, to be receptive, to have no goal. You, O worthy one, are perhaps indeed a seeker, for in striving towards your goal, you do not see many things that are under your nose.
Interpretation
The quote contrasts the act of seeking with the freedom of finding, emphasizing that pursuing goals can blind us to present opportunities.
In this quote, Hermann Hesse suggests that while seeking knowledge or goals can be important, it can lead to a narrow focus that prevents us from appreciating the richness of our current experiences. He encourages a mindset that values openness and receptivity, highlighting that true understanding and fulfillment often come from discovering what is immediately available to us, rather than solely pursuing distant objectives.
In practice
Use this quote in a motivational speech about the importance of being present and open to new experiences.
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 — 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.
Constant success shows us but one side of the world. For as it surrounds us with friends who will tell us only our merits, so it silences those enemies from whom alone we can learn our defects.
We need to learn to let go as easily as we grasp and we will find our hands full and our minds empty.
Nothing is more characteristically juvenile than contempt for juvenility. . . youth's characteristic chronological snobbery.
I hate luxury. I exercise moderation…It will be easy to forget your vision and purpose one you have fine clothes, fast horses and beautiful women. [In which case], you will be no better than a slave, and you will surely lose everything.
You always pay too much. Particularly for promises. There aint no such thing as a bargain promise.
Time is generally the best doctor.
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