Siddhartha
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse is one of my favorite books, perhaps my favorite book. To me it is something of the intersection of Eastern and Western thought, and of religion, philosophy and human experience. It is the simple story one man's journey through life. If it resonates with you deeply, you will see its beauty. If it does not, I suspect you will find it a rather boring and simple story. It is short though, so I recommend you give it a shot.
I once met a girl who's graceful intellectual presence inspired me to read it (she noted it as her favorite book, though sadly I was never able to discuss it with her). I had several friends and persons I look up to previously recommend it, and soon after I bought and read it, I found out it was the favorite book of my favorite teacher (and one of the people I most admire) Joyce Halsey.
Joyce told me that she reads the book every year of her life to center herself. Joyce was the first teacher to openly admit to me that grades weren't inherently important and to show me that I may have better things to do with my time than schoolwork which does not inspire me. She taught me to truly value the life-long intellectual and philosophical pursuit that does not end. More importantly, she gave me reassurance that it was okay to be me -- more so that it was wonderful. Joyce was the director of my high school's International Baccalaureate Program and taught English and Theory of Knowledge. She is now off teaching somewhere in Africa; never content to settle in to conformity - she moves on to newer quests. A while back I found a note to myself that indicated that if I ever became rich I was to buy her a car. I have no idea why, but I'm sure she deserved it. Let it be known that I still intend to do so.
Anyhow, a good place to read about Hermann Hesse is here, and if you're cheap Siddhartha is now public domain and can be found at Read Print and Project Gutenberg.
I once met a girl who's graceful intellectual presence inspired me to read it (she noted it as her favorite book, though sadly I was never able to discuss it with her). I had several friends and persons I look up to previously recommend it, and soon after I bought and read it, I found out it was the favorite book of my favorite teacher (and one of the people I most admire) Joyce Halsey.
Joyce told me that she reads the book every year of her life to center herself. Joyce was the first teacher to openly admit to me that grades weren't inherently important and to show me that I may have better things to do with my time than schoolwork which does not inspire me. She taught me to truly value the life-long intellectual and philosophical pursuit that does not end. More importantly, she gave me reassurance that it was okay to be me -- more so that it was wonderful. Joyce was the director of my high school's International Baccalaureate Program and taught English and Theory of Knowledge. She is now off teaching somewhere in Africa; never content to settle in to conformity - she moves on to newer quests. A while back I found a note to myself that indicated that if I ever became rich I was to buy her a car. I have no idea why, but I'm sure she deserved it. Let it be known that I still intend to do so.
Anyhow, a good place to read about Hermann Hesse is here, and if you're cheap Siddhartha is now public domain and can be found at Read Print and Project Gutenberg.
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