Herman Hesse: The Philosopher or The Hippie?

Herman Hesse was a German author who wrote several novels, short stories, and essays that gained immense popularity in the counterculture of the 1960s. Many of his works explored transcendental ideas, spirituality, and the search for self-realization, which made him a darling among the hippies.

Born in 1877 in Calw, a small town of Germany, Hesse was the son of Protestant missionaries. He lived a troubled youth, filled with constant struggles with his parents, social anxiety, and depression. However, he found solace in literature, and started writing at a young age, and by 1904, he published his first novel, Peter Camenzind.

Throughout his life, Hesse remained obsessed with Eastern philosophy and spirituality. He sojourned to India thrice, participated in psychoanalysis, experimented with herbal drugs, and even embraced pacifism as his core belief. His lifestyle was quintessential hippie, which made him a beloved figure in the counterculture.

Hesse’s philosophy is often portrayed as mystical, introspective, and anti-establishment. For instance, his novel Siddhartha, the life story of a young man on a quest for enlightenment, draws from the teachings of Buddha and the Upanishads. The novel became an instant classic among the hippies, and many people adopted the book’s message.

Another of his book, Steppenwolf, describes the spiritual journey of a middle-aged man named Harry, who suffers from existential angst. The novel is a mixture of fantasy, psychoanalysis, and philosophical musings, making it a favorite of the beatniks and the hippies of the 1960s.

Despite his deep influence on Western counterculture, Hesse is often dubbed as an elitist writer. His works are seen as too introspective and too cerebral, which can make him hard to read for the casual reader. Nonetheless, he remains an essential figure for those who seek a non-traditional path to spirituality, and his works continue to inspire readers today. So, if you find yourself in the mood for a dose of introspection, pick up a Hesse book, and embark on a journey to enlightenment, or, more likely, confusion.