whogivesabook 's review for:

Demian by Hermann Hesse

4.0

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I wrote a big review of this and then I saw it was self-indulgent and I decided to spare you.

See, it's a great novel (novella). But I don't recommend this one to young people. If they're under thirty just give them Narcissus and Goldmund instead. It's still about self discovery.

The reason: it's an easy message to misunderstand. And young people need very little extra encouragement to be self-centred. It presents a young man who is set apart from most people. He encounters another man who is similarly set apart. And another. And then the first one's mother. They form a bond that transcends normal relationships. It's pretty much a how to guide to starting a cult based on complete balance of good and evil within you.

Most young people think they're special. Thankfully the smart ones grow out of it. Nothing wrong with loving yourself. The distinction lies in the promotion of the ego. And I think that distinction is largely absent from most people's experience of the world.

This book speaks of marks. Special breeds of human. A need to find the honest self within. That answers only come from inside. From reaching deep inside and then having something come into orbit around the gravity of that act.

That's fundamentally wrong. It'll lead people astray.

And no war is cleansing. Blood stains. It doesn't wash away sin. Not in this world. Not human blood.

Anyway. I'm getting a little fervent.

I'm not an evangelist. I just have a personal spiritual perspective divorced from any written scripture.

But the point stands. This world is too full of people who are arrogant and self interested. If you read this and decide it speaks to you... invest in some therapy. But the true message of this one is that being honest with yourself and your desires will help you find balance within yourself. That it is a temporary calm. From that you are meant to build something better. Form a path. Find a purpose.


Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5)