Because the world is so full of death and horror, I try again and again to console my heart and pick the flowers that grow in the midst of hell.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes finding beauty and solace in difficult circumstances.
Hermann Hesse expresses a profound understanding of life's challenges, where amidst the pervasive suffering and darkness, one can seek consolation and joy by focusing on the positive aspects of existence. It highlights the resilience of the human spirit in finding moments of beauty, symbolized by 'flowers', even in the most troubling times.
In practice
In a discussion about coping with loss, this quote can remind others to seek beauty in their memories.
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.
Few revolutions succeed, and when they do, you often discover they did not gain what you hoped for, and you condemn yourself to perpetual fear, as the parties you defeated may always regain power and work for your ruin.
You belong neither to God nor the state nor me. You belong to yourself and no one else.
I am not like a pebble on the beach - a grain of sand on the seashore or just one of millions of human beings past, present and future. No, I am a unique human being loved by God as if I were an only child - the only fruit of his creative powers.
Salvation is an act of God. It is initiated by God, wrought by God, and sustained by God.
The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival.
Nations have lost their old omnipotence; the patriotic tiedoes not hold. Nations are getting obsolete, we go and live where we will.
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