Oh, if I had had a friend at this moment, a friend in an attic room, dreaming by candlelight and with a violin lying ready at his hand! How I should have slipped up to him in his quiet hour, noiselessly climbing the winding stair to take him by surprise, and then with talk and music we should have held heavenly festival throughout the night!
Interpretation
The quote expresses a longing for companionship and the joy of sharing a meaningful moment with a friend.
In this quote, Hermann Hesse reflects on the deep connection and happiness that comes from spending time with a friend. It evokes the idea of a serene, intimate gathering where music and conversation intertwine, creating a beautiful experience that transcends the ordinary. The imagery of an attic room and candlelight enhances the sense of warmth and nostalgia associated with close friendships.
In practice
Sharing this quote at a gathering to celebrate friendships and the special moments shared.
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.
We are sometimes made aware of a kindness long passed, and realize that there have been times when our friends' thoughts of us were of so pure and lofty a character that they passed over us like the winds of heaven unnoticed; when they treated us not as what we were, but as what we aspired to be.
But listen to me first and swear an oath to use all your eloquence and strength to look after me and protect me.
They might not need me; but they might. I'll let my head be just in sight; a smile as small as mine might be precisely their necessity.
Sharing our depressions felt like having survived a war. The experience bonds you to the other person for life.
That is the happiest conversation where there is no competition, no vanity, but a calm, quiet interchange of sentiments...
Goodbye, my friend, goodbye. My dear, you are in my heart. Predestined separation promises a future meeting.
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