I started blogs at least twice in the past, but wasn't able to keep up the regular habit. I will keep this blog regular by reviewing the books I read. It's fitting that my first post on this new journey is about Siddhartha. The book is a parable that follows the Brahmin's Son, Siddhartha, through his own life's journey.
Key Takeaways:
Favorite Quotes:
Siddhartha explains what he knows:
"Very well and what can you give? What have you learned that you can give?"
"I can think, I can wait, I can fast."
"Is that all?"
"I think that is all."
"And of what use are they? For example, fasting, what good is that?"
"It is of great value sir. If a man has nothing to eat, fasting is the most intelligent thing he can do. If, for instance, Siddhartha had not learned to fast, he would have had to seek some kind of work today, either with you, or elsewhere, for hunger would have driven him. But as it is, Siddhartha can wait calmly. He is not impatient, he is not in need, he can ward off hunger for a long time and laugh at it. Therefore, fasting is useful, sir."
Siddhartha explains wisdom:
"Yes, I have had thoughts and knowledge here and there. Sometimes for an hour or for a day, I have become aware of knowledge, just as one feels life in one's heart. I have had many thoughts, but would be difficult for me to tell you about them. But this is one thought that has impressed me, Govinda. Wisdom is not communicable. The wisdom which a wise man tries to communicate always sounds foolish."
"Are you jesting?" asked Govinda.
"No, I am telling you what I have discovered. Knowledge can be communicated, but not wisdom. One can find it, live it, be fortified by it, do wonders through it, but one cannot communicate and teach it..."
Rating: 9/10
Recommended for anyone looking for meaning – like The Alchemist.
Key Takeaways:
- Our possessions have power over us. Even our bodies crave things we're used to.
- When feeling powerless, we can always think, fast, and wait.
- To be wealthy you don't accumulate things, you reduce your need for things.
- You cannot gain wisdom from a teacher. Wisdom comes from experience.
Favorite Quotes:
Siddhartha explains what he knows:
"Very well and what can you give? What have you learned that you can give?"
"I can think, I can wait, I can fast."
"Is that all?"
"I think that is all."
"And of what use are they? For example, fasting, what good is that?"
"It is of great value sir. If a man has nothing to eat, fasting is the most intelligent thing he can do. If, for instance, Siddhartha had not learned to fast, he would have had to seek some kind of work today, either with you, or elsewhere, for hunger would have driven him. But as it is, Siddhartha can wait calmly. He is not impatient, he is not in need, he can ward off hunger for a long time and laugh at it. Therefore, fasting is useful, sir."
Siddhartha explains wisdom:
"Yes, I have had thoughts and knowledge here and there. Sometimes for an hour or for a day, I have become aware of knowledge, just as one feels life in one's heart. I have had many thoughts, but would be difficult for me to tell you about them. But this is one thought that has impressed me, Govinda. Wisdom is not communicable. The wisdom which a wise man tries to communicate always sounds foolish."
"Are you jesting?" asked Govinda.
"No, I am telling you what I have discovered. Knowledge can be communicated, but not wisdom. One can find it, live it, be fortified by it, do wonders through it, but one cannot communicate and teach it..."
Rating: 9/10
Recommended for anyone looking for meaning – like The Alchemist.
