Narcissus and Goldmund
Hermann Hesse
15 people recommended it in 10 threads, 2010–2024.
1 commenter pushed back on it — worth reading the threads.
What people on Hacker News said
Whoever is looking for meaning in life should read this book. The last sentence of this book is (at least in German) the literary most perfect and awakening phrase I've ever read. I couldn't sleep for days afterwards.
What I love about HH's books is that I feel as if I've lived the lives of his characters vicariously, passing through their struggles with them and coming out with hard-won wisdom and character. I feel like a better, wiser person for those books, with the kind of perspective on life that otherwise would have taken me a lifetime to achieve.
Narcissus and Goldmund was really influential on me. It made me realize that life doesn't have to be about buying stuff and fucking the same woman for the rest of my life. It drove me to travel and experience many things.
The subject at the core of this book is very dear to me and it really moved me and like you, I was affected for a long time.
Where it comes up
- Ask HN: Mind bending books to read and never be the same as before? 2020 · 3 recommendations
- Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost everything? 2019 · 3 recommendations
- Ask HN: Best books you read in the past decade? 2019 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: What's the "best" book you've ever read? 2024 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Great fiction books that have had a positive impact on your life? 2020 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What was the one book that you read and it actually changed your life? 2018 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Which books have made you introspect? 2018 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What are your favorite books of all time, and why? 2017 · 1 recommendation
- What is the book that has completely changed your way of thinking? 2011 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Best Philosophical Books? 2010 · 1 recommendation