Goals Quote by Hermann Hesse
““When someone is searching," said Siddhartha, "then it might easily happen that the only thing his eyes still see is that what he searches for, that he is unable to find anything, to let anything enter his mind, because he always thinks of nothing but the object of his search, because he has a goal, because he is obsessed by the goal. Searching means: having a goal. But finding means: being free, being open, having no goal. You, oh venerable one, are perhaps indeed a searcher, because, striving for your goal, there are many things you don't see, which are directly in front of your eyes.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Siddhartha, 1922
Obsessive goal‑driven searching blinds one to the present, while openness allows true discovery.
In simple terms: Goals can blind; openness reveals.
Key Takeaway
Let go of rigid goals.
Themes
search
goal obsession
mindfulness
freedom
spiritual growth
Mood
contemplative
inspirational
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- meditation
- creative work
- relationship building
- learning new skills
Key Concepts
Buddhist philosophy
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance focus with openness?
- When does goal‑driven work become limiting?
A Different Perspective
Goals provide direction and purpose.
