Happy Deathday Mr. Hesse!

On this day in 1962, German author, Herman Hesse, died of a Cerebral Hemorrhage. He died in Switzerland at the age of 85.

Undoubtedly, Hesse is most well remembered for his novel, “Siddhartha”, published in 1922. If you have not read it, we’ll not spoil the experience for you here, but we will say that Hesse’s crafting of Siddhartha’s journey is delightfully revealing of both the author, the subject and… the reader. Hmm… not sure if that last bit made sense… well… read the novel and you’ll get exactly what we’re trying to say!

Our favorite work by Hesse is his 1919 novel, entitled “Demian”, which he wrote after his son had suffered traumatic illness, his wife had experienced a nervous breakdown and his father had just died. Keep in mind, also, that this book was written right after the United States had just declared war on Germany! To say this book is “intense” is a gross understatement.

On another note, we were asked recently by one of our readers about “successful writers using pseudonyms”… well, it may interest some of you to know that “Demian” was published under the name “Emil Sinclair” and was wildly popular shortly after its publication.

Hesse received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1946. Some of his other notable works include: “Narcissus and Goldmund” (1930), “Gertrude” (1910), “The Journey to the East” (1932), “The Glass Bead Game (1943), and “Steppenwolf” (1927). For more biographical information on this fascinating man, please check out this link at nobelprize.org.

Today, draw upon your own personal tragedies to find the “understanding” Hesse found in Siddhartha or the great realization of self that Emil found in “Demian”. Ask yourself if the totality of your experiences allow you to attain understanding in the same way. Seek the truth as you meander through the dark corridors of your memory.

Write on in peace, Mr. Hesse!