Hermann Hesse: 'Meaning and reality were not hidden somewhere behind things, they were in them, in all of them.'

Meaning and reality were not hidden somewhere behind things, they were in them, in all of them.

In his profound and thought-provoking quote, Hermann Hesse suggests that meaning and reality are not elusive concepts hidden beyond the surface of things but are instead intrinsic to every aspect of existence. This sentiment speaks to the interconnectedness and significance of all beings and objects in the world. By acknowledging that meaning resides within everything, Hesse challenges conventional notions of reality and invites us to perceive the world with a new perspective.At a superficial level, Hesse's quote elucidates the idea that meaning is not solely derived from abstract concepts or distant truths, but can be found in the tangible and ordinary elements of our surroundings. It urges us to look beyond the apparent insignificance of everyday objects, prompting a deeper exploration of their inherent value. This interpretation underscores the importance of embracing the present moment and recognizing the potential for significance within even the smallest and seemingly mundane occurrences.However, to truly grasp the profound implications of Hesse's words, it is fascinating to introduce the philosophical concept of phenomenology and compare it to the sentiment expressed in the quote. Phenomenology, a branch of philosophy developed by Edmund Husserl and expanded upon by Martin Heidegger, explores the conscious experience and how we make sense of the world. Hesse's idea of meaning and reality residing within objects aligns with the phenomenological stance that the world is not merely an objective reality external to us but is instead rooted in our subjective experience.In phenomenology, perception plays a pivotal role in constituting reality. Our perception of objects and events shapes our understanding and interpretation of the world around us. Similarly, Hesse's quote implies that meaning is not imposed upon things from an external source but is instead brought forth through our engagement with them. This notion suggests an intimate relationship between the observer and the observed, blurring the distinction between subject and object.While phenomenology focuses primarily on the subjective experience of reality, Hesse's quote extends this perspective by emphasizing the presence of meaning within everything. It suggests that the objective world itself contains inherent significance waiting to be acknowledged. In this regard, Hesse's idea expands phenomenological principles by emphasizing the importance of the external world in shaping our experience and understanding of reality.Furthermore, embracing Hesse's notion of embedded meaning challenges the dualistic tendencies of traditional philosophy, where the external world is often treated as separate from our subjective experience. His perspective encourages a holistic view of reality, transcending the boundaries of subject and object and compelling us to seek connections and correlations that may otherwise go unnoticed.In summary, Hermann Hesse's quote resounds with a powerful and revolutionary message. It reminds us that meaning and reality are not elusive entities to be discovered beyond the surface of things but are already present within them. By intertwining phenomenological principles with his philosophical observation, Hesse's idea invites us to reconsider how we perceive and interact with the world. It calls for a profound shift in our understanding of reality, emphasizing the inseparability of subject and object and reminding us of the beauty and significance inherent in the seemingly ordinary aspects of our lives.