Art of life Quote by Hermann Hesse
““The mistaken and unhappy notion that a man is an enduring unity is known to you. It is also known to you that a man consists of a multitude of souls, of numerous selves. The separation of the unity of the personality into these numerous pieces passes for madness. Science has invented the name schizomania for it. Science is in this so far right as no multiplicity maybe dealt with unless there be a series, a certain order and grouping. It is wrong insofar as it holds that one only and binding lifelong order is possible for the multiplicity of subordinate selves. This error of science has many unpleasant consequences, and the single advantage of simplifying the work of the state-appointed pastors and masters and saving them the labors of original thought. In consequence of this error many persons pass for normal, and indeed for highly valuable members of society, who are incurably mad; and many, on the other hand, are looked upon as mad who are geniuses...This is the art of life. You may yourself as an artist develop the game of your life and lend it animation. You may complicate and enrich it as you please. It lies in your hands. Just as madness, in a higher sense, is the beginning of all wisdom, so is schizomania the beginning of all art and all fantasy.””
About This Quote
The passage argues that the human psyche is composed of many distinct selves, and that insisting on a single, unified identity is a scientific oversimplification that marginalizes both madness and genius. It celebrates multiplicity as the source of creativity and artistic freedom.
In simple terms: Human identity is a mosaic of selves, not a single unit.
Key Takeaway
Multiplicity fuels art and wisdom.
Themes
Identity
Multiplicity
Creativity
Madness
Science
Art
Mood
Reflective
Provocative
Inspirational
Type
Philosophical
Literary
Psychological
When to use this quote
- Therapeutic self-exploration
- Creative writing workshops
- Philosophical counseling
- Educational curricula on identity
- Psychiatric assessment
Key Concepts
Self-concept
Psychological pluralism
Cultural norms
Artistic agency
Practical Applications
- Designing integrative therapeutic models
- Developing curricula that embrace plural selves
Questions to Reflect On
- How does embracing multiple selves change one's approach to personal growth?
- What are the risks of celebrating fragmentation without grounding?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that a coherent self is essential for mental stability and social functioning, suggesting that too much fragmentation can be destabilizing.
