Herman Hesse

Germany
2 Jul 1877 // 9 Aug 1962
Writer

Quotes

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The world was beautiful when looked at in this way � without any seeking, so simple, so childlike.

Siddhartha
No, a true seeker could not accept any teachings, not if he sincerely wished to find something. But he who had found, could give his approval to every path, to every goal; nothing separated him from all the other thousands who lived in eternity, who breathed the Divine.

Siddhartha
After so many years of foolishness, you have once again had an idea, have done something, have heard the bird in your chest singing and have followed it.

Siddhartha
Nothing was, nothing will be, everything has reality and presence.

Siddhartha
Knowledge can be conveyed, but not wisdom. It can be found, it can be lived, it is possible to be carried by it, miracles can be performed with it, but it cannot be expressed in words and taught.

Siddhartha
Within you, there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at anytime and be yourself.

Siddhartha
It taught him how to listen -- how to listen with a quiet heart and a waiting soul, open soul, without passion, without desire, without judgment, without opinion.

Siddhartha
I have had to experience so much stupidity, so many vices, so much error, so much nausea, disillusionment and sorrow, just in order to become a child again and begin anew.

Siddhartha
What should I possibly have to tell you, oh venerable one? Perhaps that you're searching far too much? That in all that searching, you don't find the time for finding?

Siddhartha
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.

Siddhartha
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On Anger: "For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind."
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