Hermann Hesse book summaries

“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.”

Siddhartha explains to Govinda the nature of the river and time, during their final meeting.

“Wisdom cannot be imparted. Wisdom that a wise man attempts to impart always sounds like foolishness to someone else ... 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 tells Govinda why he cannot teach him what he has learned.

“I have been thinking and meditating for a long time, and I have come to the conclusion that there is nothing to be gained from teaching.”

Siddhartha speaks to the Buddha Gotama about why he does not want to become his disciple.

“The opposite of every truth is just as true!”

Siddhartha reflects on the nature of truth and the unity of opposites.

“I can think, I can wait, I can fast.”

Siddhartha tells Kamala what he is capable of, when she asks what he can do.