Great book. Especially so when I read it as a teen. It helped me recognize the significance of both sides of my nature. I had a little of both characters in me, as do most of us. Rarely is anyone such a polar extreme as the two title characters, but Hesse's work always examined the dualities inside us and the dualities inherent in our world. Through Narcissus, I learned to appreciate the quiet contemplative part of myself and gained a perspective on valuing purely intellectual pursuits. ... (show more)

Great book. Especially so when I read it as a teen. It helped me recognize the significance of both sides of my nature. I had a little of both characters in me, as do most of us. Rarely is anyone such a polar extreme as the two title characters, but Hesse's work always examined the dualities inside us and the dualities inherent in our world. Through Narcissus, I learned to appreciate the quiet contemplative part of myself and gained a perspective on valuing purely intellectual pursuits. Through Goldmund, I learned that my earthy physical joys were also a pathway to knowledge and not to be feared or ashamed of. The depth of Hesse's observations, when absorbed over a lifetime of reading and rereading, truly taught me an ability to have a deeper appreciation of my own life experiences. What more can you ask of a book? (show less)