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Siddhartha Commentary Essay

 

            
             " This is the philosophy shared by the childhood friends Siddhartha and Govinda, when they reencounter each other in the forest. Herman Hesse's usage of this quote is very effective in invoking deep and profound though within the reader's mind. First, the reader probably thinks about it in regard to both Siddhartha and Govinda's lives. Secondly, it invokes a personal reflection within the reader. Finally, the reader may further reflect on his personal lives as he compares and contrasts how the life applies to the lives of himself and the life of Siddhartha.
             When a reader stumbles across the above quotation, their first reaction is to see what the character really means when saying this. For both Siddhartha and Govinda, this means that they have neither goals in sight nor a destination. This reminds me of one of my favorite songs, "I Still Haven't Found What I"m Looking For" by U2. In the song Bono, the lead singer of U2, sings about having traveled all across the world and having done so many things in his life. However, with all this under his belt, he still isn't sure what he's looking for yet he keeps on living, and searching. This is very similar with Siddhartha. He has lived a life of wealth and sin as a merchant and a Brahmin. He has also lived the life of a Samana, one in which all wealth is voluntary given up. Even with living in both of life's extremes, Siddhartha still doesn't know what he's looking for. Actually, Siddhartha is step beyond this, as he isn't looking for anything. .
             When I apply this quote to my own life, I tend to see myself as siding with Siddhartha. I really have no idea what I want to do with my life or what I actually am going to do with my life. I don't know what kind of job I"ll pursue when I"m through with school. I don't know what the future will bring me. I have no destination in sight, but I do hope that whatever I end up doing, I"ll be satisfied with what life has brought me.


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