Narcissus and Goldmund
I finished reading Narcissus and Goldmund by Hermann Hesse recently. A few random thoughts, inspired by the book (this is not really a review, as you need to read the book first to appreciate them)...
Like Sidhartha, this book too is precious, because it has the power to move, to inspire, to force introspection. Escaping within its warm cloak helps one escape from the world, helps one be reintroduced to the world.
Narcissus and Goldmund’s relationship was enviable. Mutual admiration mixed with mutual respect. Each recognizing the other’s strengths and potentialities. One inspiring the other to realize themselves, seeing things they themselves don’t see yet. The other trusting one enough to accept the direction, even when he doesn’t fully understand. Each knowing the other more than anyone else in the world. Both were equals. And complementary.
This is the relationship I long for myself, with my soulmate. Pleasure thoughtful and thoughtless. Cerebral and Sensual. Debates, challenges, tenderness. This, to me, is what a life partner should be like.
What also struck me was the naïve wonder of Goldmund’s fascination with reality, with the peaceful passion of nature. His sense of wonder, his curiosity – they remind me to be thankful for this wonderful gift, this capacity to live, to be happy to be alive.
Quintessential Hesse – having people relate to the characters to draw them in. His mysticism is accessible. Unlike Coelho, his Catholic nirvana seems to bear Eastern roots, making it familiar.
He speaks of mentors – guardian angels, experienced kinsmen, alter-egos. They have traversed your path, know its perils and possibilities. They may see themselves in you and help you as if helping their younger self. Goldmund had Narcissus, Viktor, Niklaus. I have yet to find my mentor.
The bliss of creativity requires hard work and discipline; the joy of living in the moment, spontaneity. The fleeting pleasures of the moments can be made eternal through the creativity of art, says Hesse.
If so, what is my legacy? I wonder about that, at times. What have I achieved that will live beyond me? A few photographs, perhaps. A few essays that have since perished. I can do better.
Goldmund’s put-on self-assurance on meeting Narcissus is an interesting lesson. To lead, sometimes you need to put on a mask, even when you’re terrified yourself.
Like Sidhartha, this book too is precious, because it has the power to move, to inspire, to force introspection. Escaping within its warm cloak helps one escape from the world, helps one be reintroduced to the world.
Narcissus and Goldmund’s relationship was enviable. Mutual admiration mixed with mutual respect. Each recognizing the other’s strengths and potentialities. One inspiring the other to realize themselves, seeing things they themselves don’t see yet. The other trusting one enough to accept the direction, even when he doesn’t fully understand. Each knowing the other more than anyone else in the world. Both were equals. And complementary.
This is the relationship I long for myself, with my soulmate. Pleasure thoughtful and thoughtless. Cerebral and Sensual. Debates, challenges, tenderness. This, to me, is what a life partner should be like.
What also struck me was the naïve wonder of Goldmund’s fascination with reality, with the peaceful passion of nature. His sense of wonder, his curiosity – they remind me to be thankful for this wonderful gift, this capacity to live, to be happy to be alive.
Quintessential Hesse – having people relate to the characters to draw them in. His mysticism is accessible. Unlike Coelho, his Catholic nirvana seems to bear Eastern roots, making it familiar.
He speaks of mentors – guardian angels, experienced kinsmen, alter-egos. They have traversed your path, know its perils and possibilities. They may see themselves in you and help you as if helping their younger self. Goldmund had Narcissus, Viktor, Niklaus. I have yet to find my mentor.
The bliss of creativity requires hard work and discipline; the joy of living in the moment, spontaneity. The fleeting pleasures of the moments can be made eternal through the creativity of art, says Hesse.
If so, what is my legacy? I wonder about that, at times. What have I achieved that will live beyond me? A few photographs, perhaps. A few essays that have since perished. I can do better.
Goldmund’s put-on self-assurance on meeting Narcissus is an interesting lesson. To lead, sometimes you need to put on a mask, even when you’re terrified yourself.
