I realize today that nothing in the world is more distasteful to a man than to take the path that leads to himself.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the discomfort many feel when facing their true self.
Hermann Hesse suggests that the journey of self-discovery is often uncomfortable and challenging for individuals. Taking the path that leads to oneself requires introspection, confronting personal truths, and sometimes acknowledging aspects of oneβs identity that may not be easy to accept. This journey, while fraught with difficulties, is essential for personal growth and authenticity.
In practice
In a motivational speech about personal growth, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of facing one's true self.
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.
Complexes are psychic contents which are outside the control of the conscious mind. They have been split off from consciousness and lead a separate existence in the unconscious, being at all times ready to hinder or to reinforce the conscious intentions.
You can never step in the same river twice.
People are still asking me if I knew Star Wars was going to be that big of a hit. Yes, we all knew. The only one who didn't know was George.
Because God has made us for Himself, our hearts are restless until they rest in Him.
We are living in a world where image-making is important, so we ignore the facts.
One of the characteristics of the dream is that nothing surprises us in it. With no regret, we agree to live in it with strangers, completely cut off from our habits and friends.
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