7 Life Tips from Hermann Hesse That Explain A Lot

Photo byThoughtco

Hermann Hesse was a German writer and artist who received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1946 in recognition of his literary career. His books have been translated into more than 40 languages, and more than 30 million copies of his works have been sold.

Some of his most important works are Demian (1919), Siddhartha (1922) and Steppenwolf (1927) among others. Most of them reflect his interest in Eastern mysticism and spirituality, as well as his insatiable search for new values ​​and meaning in life.

Those who knew him describe him as a man with a difficult and somewhat unsociable character. He liked solitude and immersion in the depths of his inner world. A creative, withdrawn and slightly unstable person who could express in words everything he felt inside.

Today, some of the most important thoughts and quotes from Hermann Hesse , a gift for anyone who wants to delve deeper into themselves, ask themselves questions and discover themselves. A legacy of great psychological and spiritual depth that is worth reading.

1. About the path to yourself

“Every person’s life is a path to oneself, an attempt at a path, an outline of a path.”

Destiny is the path to oneself. The path we take every day to get to know ourselves a little better. Some people understand this quickly, others spend many years of their lives on it. Without a doubt, this is one of Hermann Hesse's brilliant thoughts that should be remembered when you are "lost".

2. About our shortcomings

"If you hate a person, you hate something in him that is part of you. What is not part of us does not bother us."

This quote reflects the idea that our feelings towards others, especially negative ones such as hatred, are often projections of aspects within ourselves that we dislike or reject. This phenomenon is known in the field of psychology as psychological projection. It suggests that what we find intolerable in others may be a reflection of unresolved issues or qualities within ourselves. Essentially, what we do not identify with or recognize as part of ourselves does not elicit strong emotional reactions.

Psychological projection is a complex topic. It is not easy to admit that we project onto others what we do not like about ourselves.

Photo byThoughtco

3. About relationships with other people

"Never confuse my character with my attitude towards you. My character depends on me, and my attitude depends on your behavior."

4. About strong people

"Strong people don't try to show off their strength, they help others gain strength."

True strength does not come from demonstrating your power to others, but from supporting others. Strong personalities are characterized by their willingness to help others become stronger, rather than by demonstrating their own abilities.

5. About growing up

"Youth ends with selfishness, old age begins with living for others."

As people develop, their priorities change. This means that in their youth, people may be more focused on their own needs and desires, but as they age, there is a natural desire to fulfill their mission, to help others, to leave some kind of contribution, a mark.

6. About life

"To live life to the fullest, you must have the courage to let go of what has already passed."

Living a full life requires the courage to let go of attachments to things that have already happened, whether positive or negative experiences. It is important to embrace the present and the future, rather than living burdened by the past.

7. About friends

"The absence of friends is a sign that a person has many hobbies and a lot of personal time."

Some people may have a rich inner life, filled with hobbies and personal pursuits that may not leave much time for socializing. This reframes loneliness as the result of a busy and fulfilling personal life.

Hermann Hesse's words resonate with many people not only because of their eloquence, but also because of the depth of wisdom they convey. Each quote serves as a doorway into the intricate landscapes of Hesse's philosophy, prompting us to reflect on the deeper aspects of life, self-knowledge, and the search for meaning.

I wonder what you think about beliefs? Which quote did you like the most? Share in the comments.