Bourgeois Quote by Hermann Hesse
““A man cannot live intensely except at the cost of the self. Now the bourgeois treasures nothing more highly than the self (rudimentary as his may be). And so at the cost of intensity he achieves his own preservation and security. His harvest is a quiet mind which he prefers to being possessed by God, as he does comfort to pleasure, convenience to liberty, and a pleasant temperature to that deathly inner consuming fire. The bourgeois is consequently by nature a creature of weak impulses, anxious, fearful of giving himself away and easy to rule. Therefore, he has substituted majority for power, law for force, and the polling booth for responsibility.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Demian, 1919
Intense living demands self-sacrifice; the bourgeois seeks safety through conformity, trading passion for a quiet, secure life.
In simple terms: Living intensely costs self; the bourgeois chooses safety.
Key Takeaway
Balance passion with security.
Themes
individualism
intensity
bourgeoisie
security
self
sacrifice
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- personal ambition
- social conformity
- political engagement
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
existentialism
psychology
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Is intensity always preferable?
- How can one retain passion while seeking security?
A Different Perspective
May overlook the value of comfort and stability.
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