This book is a captivating and swift read that delves deep into intricate topics such as forbidden matters and the essence of being true to oneself. Herman Hesse's work prompts readers to ponder upon profound questions of life, enabling a better understanding of our actions.

I found it exceptionally interesting to question the significance of following one's dreams and what it truly means to be distinct from others. The book presents these inquiries through the character of Sinclair, who grapples with his life and his place in the world. Sinclair experiences numerous stages that mirror his growth and coming of age. He adheres to various archetypes and ultimately discovers that he "has the mark of Cain," signifying his difference.

Eventually, he attempts to conform to society by associating with the wrong crowd. However, he has a moment of sudden clarity, a shocker, that allows him to realize his true desires in life. Sinclair follows these feelings, which inevitably lead him back to Demian. Demian, along with Pistorius, serves as a mentor, guiding Sinclair to understand that it is okay to be different because of the mark of Cain.

In conclusion, I have a profound love for this book as it challenges society's perception of normalcy and provides answers to many questions regarding what it means to be different. Nevertheless, it also leaves certain questions unanswered, as some can only be resolved by the individual.

In this book, Demian, which I read a long time ago, Hermann Hesse once again starts with a character "from himself" and questions...

Does God only possess beauties? What about the evils, the accounts that devour and finish off a person.

Is a person perfect? By nature, a person, just as he loves the clean ones, also loves the dirty ones! The devil and the angel are both within a person.

The book was really very solid and impressive.

It showed that even we humans, who live in our own way, cannot escape from coming into a state of conflict with beautiful virtues and doubting our beliefs.

There were many sayings that would be quoted a lot.

Here is one of them: "If a person is afraid of someone, it means that he has allowed that person to have power over himself."

Though Herman Hesse's novel Demian is well-written from a rhetorical perspective, it generally falls short in the philosophy and psychology departments. This is a significant problem as Hesse wrote the book to demonstrate principles of these particular fields. In addition to this, the plot is jumpy and unsettled, which further detracts from the overall quality of the book. Despite its status as a classic novel, it is a fairly weak piece.

The book's biggest problems lie in the thematic principles it attempts to demonstrate. The main character, Emil Sinclair, is constantly focused on "finding the true self," yet he never seems to really achieve this. He has a relatively normal childhood, goes to school, starts drinking, then takes up painting and studying philosophy. However, he later realizes that many of his interactions with his friend Max Demian may have been just a figment of his imagination. Additionally, Hesse attempts to prove Max Demian's intellectual prowess by having him offer strange interpretations of Bible stories. But these interpretations do not hold up under scrutiny. For example, Demian tells Sinclair that the mark of Cain is a sign of power, yet the story clearly describes Cain as a vagabond and a wanderer, which sounds more like isolation than power. When any pressure is applied to Max Demian's other Biblical interpretations, they also easily fall apart.

All in all, Herman Hesse failed in his attempt to write a philosophically significant novel. While it may have been somewhat interesting to read, it failed to enlighten readers in any meaningful way. The story tries to sound deep, but in the end, it comes across as superficial, like a Green Day song that has the appearance of substance without actually having any.

This lack of depth and coherence makes Demian a disappointing read, especially for those who are interested in exploring philosophical and psychological themes.

Demian

In reality, there are 4.5 little stars in the sky... This book really appealed to me. The way it reflects on finding oneself, internalizing, and delving into the discovery of the self is truly fascinating. I adored the characters of Pistorius and Frau Eva. Some of Hermann Hesse's phrases are beautiful, yet simple at the same time. And I believe that part of the interesting aspect of this book lies in that. Within the simplicity, you find the meaning, the light, or the answer. My only criticism is that it felt short to me. I would have loved to catch a bit more of World War I. I'm not one of those who think that adolescents should read this book, nor do I think it's about the projection of sexuality, blah blah blah. I understand the point of view regarding that, but it's beside the point. I loved how it uses light (literally) and shadow as a projection of the good and the bad, and that within the shadows, there can be something good, as in the reunion when he is with the Japanese man, and vice versa, as in the final part of the explosion. The fact that it mentions Saint Augustine is an added bonus. Well, I really enjoyed it a lot. I hope that those who read it have had the same experience. I feel that it's one of those books that you can read again in its entirety or in parts because it's not about teaching you something, but rather leaving you with knowledge. Go Hesse Go ;)

Not going to lie,

I read Demian only because of BTS. At first, I was simply curious about what book the members of BTS might recommend.

However, as I delved into the story, I found myself truly enjoying it! The themes and characters in Demian were so captivating that I couldn't put the book down.

In fact, I have to admit that I liked it more than Siddhartha. While Siddhartha is also a great book, Demian had a certain charm and depth that really spoke to me.

The exploration of self-discovery, the search for meaning in life, and the struggle between good and evil in Demian made it a truly engaging read.

I'm so glad that I gave this book a chance, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and inspiring read.

The world says that Sinclair and Demian say they are Geis, but Sinclair has a profound admiration for Max Demian.

People, don't talk nonsense. Do you believe that he admired him or were they gays? Please answer so as not to look like a fool.

It is important to note that admiration does not necessarily imply a romantic or homosexual relationship. Sinclair's admiration for Demian could stem from Demian's wisdom, strength, or other qualities that Sinclair respects and looks up to.

We should not jump to conclusions based on limited information or unfounded rumors. Instead, we should try to understand the characters and their relationships in a more comprehensive and nuanced way.

Perhaps Sinclair and Demian had a deep and meaningful friendship that was based on mutual respect and understanding. Or perhaps there was more to their relationship that we don't know about.

Only by reading the relevant works and exploring the characters' thoughts and feelings can we begin to form a more accurate picture of their relationship.

So, let's not be too hasty in making judgments and instead keep an open mind and a curious heart.

Although my knowledge of Buddhism is rather limited, I was truly captivated by this tale. Hermann Hesse's work has left a profound impression on me. His remarkable ability to capture the essence of a foreign culture's philosophy and to seemingly embody it so completely within the realm of literature is truly astonishing. It is as if he has delved deep into the heart of Buddhism and has managed to bring its teachings and wisdom to life in a way that is both accessible and engaging. Through his words, I have been able to catch a glimpse of the beauty and complexity of this ancient philosophy, and it has piqued my curiosity to learn more. Hesse's literary prowess is truly a gift, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to experience it through this captivating tale.

Demian, by Hermann Hesse

This book is in my top three of vital readings. Its reading, at a certain moment, helped me to do introspection and even transported me to school times. There, I felt more identified with the character of Demian than with that of Sinclair, due to my postures towards school classes and the family core formed by my mother and me, which was by no means a vertical or hierarchical relationship, but rather one of mutual support.

So, let's get to the point. This short novel is narrated by the main character, Emil Sinclair. From what already seems to be his adulthood, he relates the most peculiar moments of his early life. Sinclair grew up in a strict and religious home, with no possibility of replica regarding his father's worldview. Clouded before what he considered the counterpart of the world, he stigmatized everything that was not considered good by his parents, that is, worldly pleasures and heretical ideas. Then a prank, which triggers what seems to be a pious lie, impels him to feel like a sinner and a traitor to his home. However, when he meets the enigmatic Max Demian, who helps him solve this problem and plants new doubts in him, his perspective will begin to expand.

In my considerations, Demian was a projection of Sinclair; that is, his counterpart, a fantasy that agglomerated everything that he did not dare to be. He even discovered carnal and spiritual love there by including Max's mother in that fantasy. Coincidentally, Demian appears in crucial moments of Emil's life, perhaps because the latter projected himself being like that, thinking, speaking, and acting like Demian, living that other life, although perhaps it was only in his mind, since Max Demian represented everything that Emil Sinclair's parents had demonized, branded as incorrect or bad, and from which they had wanted to keep him away since his childhood.

This probably won't be a popular view, and I'm well aware of what the book was attempting to do. However, I couldn't help but find it pretentious and overly drawn out.

Demian came across as a smart-ass know-it-all. And while it's true that what happened to Emil with Kromer would have left some sort of mark, I feel that they exaggerated the profoundness of the effect it had on him.

Perhaps it wouldn't have been a popular theory in Hesse's time, but Emil was quite clearly in love or infatuated with Demian.

The beginning of the story seemed hopeful, but as it progressed, I found myself increasingly desperate to finish.

The narrative failed to hold my interest, and I was left with a sense of disappointment.

It's possible that others may see the book in a different light, but for me, it simply didn't live up to my expectations.

An interesting read indeed. Freud's influence on Hesse is vividly evident in Demian. I chose to listen to the book on Audible, but had I perused the paper copy, there would have been certain sections that I might have skimmed through, while others I would have underlined and read multiple times.

To truly appreciate this work, historical and social context is of utmost importance. Some of Hesse's revolutionary ideas and extrapolations have now become an integral part of our social, political, and religious vernacular. Consequently, if one fails to understand the world in which Hesse lived, the work may seem less remarkable.

Demian offers a profound exploration of the human psyche and the search for self-identity. Hesse's masterful storytelling and incisive insights make it a captivating read. Whether listened to or read, it has the power to engage and启迪 the reader on a deep level.

Overall, Demian is a work that demands to be experienced and understood within its proper context. It is a testament to Hesse's genius and his ability to create a literary masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today.

The main character presents a unique perspective that truly resonated with me.

He expresses himself in a straightforward manner, yet there is profound meaning underlying his words.

The narrative that weaves throughout the book prompts one to reflect on how the main character links various elements, what he questions, and what he accepts as truth.

As the story progresses, one might start to think that the character should "get out and touch some grass," but perhaps the author intentionally led the reader in this direction.

The character's method of distinguishing his real life from the uncertainties in his mind was to jot them down in a book.

This simple act of writing becomes a powerful tool for him to make sense of his world and his inner turmoil.

It shows how writing can be a form of catharsis, a way to externalize our thoughts and gain a better understanding of ourselves.

The book as a whole offers a fascinating exploration of the human psyche and the power of self-expression.

Demian is, without a doubt, a phenomenal book about the transition from childhood to youth, a unique and difficult process that every human being goes through.

From it, I also learned that books are timeless because while you are reading them, they will undoubtedly leave you with a new learning experience.

Siddhartha, a book that has made its way into my collection of favorites, offers you an enriching learning about life and the discovery of your being. It涵盖了许多存在主义的疑问、社会问题，毫无疑问，它也提到了许多印度教的人物（某些名字值得去研究一下）。

These two books have had a profound impact on me, opening my eyes to new perspectives and helping me to better understand myself and the world around me. I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for a thought-provoking read.

They are not just books, but also guides that can accompany you on your journey of self-discovery and personal growth.