When I was growing up, I saw this book on a shelf in the basement. I'd always thought to read it but never did. Until I was remided of it by listening to a Tim Ferriss podcast.
The story follows the life of Siddhartha from a youthful optimist, to a more elderly pragmatist. I found many of the chapters so familiar to situations in my life. Siddhartha fights with his father to leave home and strike out in a non-standard manner. His friend, Govinda, has similar, but not identical experiences. Again, very true to life. His life seems to arc as he learns and aspires. Then, as he ages, he chooses the 'easy' life. How many people go this route. Me included.
The story of Siddhartha's son was very thought-provoking. How easy it is to put blinders on someone's actions when that person is close to you. I wish there was a chapter reconciling Siddhartha to his father. I think that would have been telling.
For a story that's based in a culture that's half way around the world, Hesse brought home to me the universal struggles all men face. How to become a man, how to best aspire to what we can achive, what is important in life, and what can be discarded?
