Hermann Hesse

Who was Hermann Hesse?

Hermann Hesse was a German poet, novelist, and painter. His best-known works include Steppenwolf, Siddhartha, and The Glass Bead Game, each of which explores an individual's search for authenticity, self-knowledge and spirituality. In 1946, he received the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Famous Quotes:

• In each individual the spirit is made flesh, in each one the whole of creation suffers, in each one a Savior is crucified.
• There is, so I believe, in the essence of everything, something that we cannot call learning. There is, my friend, only a knowledge -- that is everywhere.
• 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.
• Knowledge can be communicated, but wisdom cannot. A man can find it, he can live it, he can be filled and sustained by it, but he cannot utter or teach it.
• Every age, every culture, every custom and tradition has its own character, its own weakness and its own strength, its beauties and cruelties; it accepts certain sufferings as matters of course, puts up patiently with certain evils. Human life is reduced to real suffering, to hell, only when two ages, two cultures and religions overlap.
• The truth has a million faces, but there is only one truth.
• One never reaches home, but wherever friendly paths intersect the whole world looks like home for a time.
• Love is stronger than violence.
• Everything becomes a little different as soon as it is spoken out loud.
• Happiness is a how, not a what: a talent, not an object