Hermann Hesse

Novelist, Poet

Hermann Hesse was a German-Swiss poet and novelist known for exploring themes of self-discovery and spirituality in works like 'Siddhartha'.

Born
July 2, 1877
Died
August 9, 1962
Quotes
446
Rank
#70

About Hermann Hesse

Hermann Hesse — Life and Legacy

Hermann Hesse, a prominent German-Swiss author, is renowned for his profound explorations of self-discovery and spirituality. His novel 'Siddhartha' vividly illustrates the quest for enlightenment, reflecting his own struggles with identity and belonging. Hesse's core philosophy emphasizes the importance of personal experience over societal norms, as seen in his quote, 'Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go.' This encapsulates his belief that true strength often lies in the courage to release attachments and embrace change. Hesse's works frequently delve into the duality of human nature, a theme prominently featured in 'Steppenwolf'. Here, he examines the conflict between the civilized self and the primal instincts, challenging readers to confront their inner contradictions. His insightful reflections reveal a deep understanding of the human psyche, as he navigates the complexities of existence and the search for meaning. Today, Hesse's quotes resonate with those seeking clarity in a chaotic world, offering wisdom on the journey of self-discovery and the pursuit of inner peace. His ability to articulate the tensions within the human experience continues to inspire readers, making his work timeless and relevant.

Quote collection

Hermann Hesse quotes (page 1 of 23)

446 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Hermann Hesse Novelist, Poet
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"I have no right to call myself one who knows. I was one who seeks, and I still am, but I no longer seek in the stars or in books; I'm beginning to hear the teachings of my blood pulsing within me. My story isn't pleasant, it's not sweet and harmonious like the invented stories; it tastes of folly and bewilderment, of madness and dream, like the life of all people who no longer want to lie to themselves."

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"To hold our tongues when everyone is gossiping, to smile without hostility at people and institutions, to compensate for the shortage of love in the world with more love in small, private matters; to be more faithful in our work, to show greater patience, to forgo the cheap revenge obtainable from mockery and criticism: all these are things we can do."

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"Within you there is a stillness and sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself"

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"I have always believed, and I still believe, that whatever good or bad fortune may come our way we can always give it meaning and transform it into something of value."

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"If you hate a person, you hate something in him that is part of yourself. What isn't part of ourselves doesn't disturb us."

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"Some of us think holding on makes us strong; but sometimes it is letting go."

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"When you like someone, you like them in spite of their faults. When you love someone, you love them with their faults."

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"There is no reality except the one contained within us. That is why so many people live such an unreal life. They take the images outside them for reality and never allow the world within to assert itself."

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"The bird fights its way out of the egg. The egg is the world. Who would be born must first destroy a world. The bird flies to God. The God's name is Abraxas."

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"I live in my dreams — that's what you sense. Other people live in dreams, but not in their own. That's the difference."

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"Knowledge can be communicated, but not wisdom. One can find it, live it, be fortified by it, do wonders through it, but one cannot communicate and teach it."

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"I have been and still am a seeker, but I have ceased to question stars and books; I have begun to listen to the teaching my blood whispers to me."

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"Whoever wants music instead of noise, joy instead of pleasure, soul instead of gold, creative work instead of business, passion instead of foolery, finds no home in this trivial world of ours."

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"We kill at every step, not only in wars, riots and executions. We kill when we close our eyes to poverty, suffering and shame.In the same way all disrespect for life, all hard-heartedness,all indifference, all contempt is nothing else than killing."

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"Every experience has its element of magic."

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"Have you also learned that secret from the river; that there is no such thing as time?" That the river is everywhere at the same time, at the source and at the mouth, at the waterfall, at the ferry, at the current, in the ocean and in the mountains, everywhere and that the present only exists for it, not the shadow of the past nor the shadow of the future."

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"I wanted only to live in accord with the promptings which came from my true self. Why was that so very difficult?"

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"You must find your dream...but no dream lasts forever, each dream is followed by another, and one should not cling to any particular dream."

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"I do not consider myself less ignorant than most people. I have been and still am a seeker, but I have ceased to question stars and books. I have begun to listen to the teachings my blood whispers to me. My story is not a pleasant one; it is neither sweet nor harmonious, as invented stories are; it has the taste of nonsense and chaos, of madness and dreams -- like the lives of all men who stop deceiving themselves."

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