Narcissus and Goldmund
by Hermann Hesse · first published 1971
70% recommend26% neutral4% critical
Why HN recommends it
Novel contrasting a free-spirited wanderer with a disciplined scholar, read as a fun yet literary adventure. Fans find it moving and influential, and some rank it above Siddhartha among Hesse's novels.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
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…spot in my heart because of how much I can relate to the protagonist unfortunately. Can anyone recommend other similar works of literature? I haven't read many books like this but I found Siddhartha, Narcissus and Goldmund and Steppenwolfe by Herman Hesse to be on the same lines (deal with existentialism).
on ““The Idiot” Savant: On Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Idiot” ↗That is very sad. I feel bad for you. There are so many wonderful books in the world - the fact that a programming book is "by far" the best book you've read in the world is just tragic. Try these ones: - Narcissus & Goldmund by Hermann Hesse - One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marques - Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
on “Programming books I have read and somewhat liked” ↗…refuses to relinquish his integrity in the face of great adversity "Light Years" by James Salter; fiction; inexpressibly beautiful novel that takes place largely on the Hudson River above New York "Narcissus and Goldmund" by Hesse; fiction; a fun yet literary adventure novel about the importance and fun of living life with integrity "When Things Fall Apart" by Chödron; non-fiction; Chödron proposes that leaning into…
on “Ask HN: Best books you read in the past decade?” ↗Also by Hesse: Narcissus & Goldmund Actually, most books by Hesse have a philosophical element.
on “Ask HN: Best Philosophical Books?” ↗Demian - Hesse Narcissus and Goldmund - Hesse Man's Search for Meaning - Viktor Frankl
on “What is the book that has completely changed your way of thinking?” ↗Adding more: Siddhartha - Hermen Hesse Narcissus and Goldmund - Herman Hesse The Glass Bead Game - Herman Hesse The Consolations of Philosophy - Alain de Botton A Brief History of Nearly Everything - Bill Bryson Politics and The English Lanaguage (essay) - George…
on “Ask HN: What are some good books?” ↗_dt47, if you like it read everything else from Hesse (continue with Steppenwolf, Narcissus and Goldmund, The Glass Bead Game). Right now, as late night reading, i'm in the midst of the sprawl trilogy of Gibson, i read Neuromancer more than a few years ago and now i'm checking out the rest. Other than…
on “Ask HN: What is HN reading?” ↗Fiction - Narcissus and Goldmund by Hermann Hesse. Contrasting the lives of a free spirit and a disciplined mind. Non Fiction - A Time of Gifts/Between the Woods and the Water/The Broken Road by Patrick Leigh Fermor. Recounting a trip…
on “Ask HN: What are your favorite books of all time, and why?” ↗>Can anyone recommend other similar works of literature? I haven't read many books like this but I found Siddhartha, Narcissus and Goldmund and Steppenwolfe by Herman Hesse to be on the same lines (deal with existentialism). If you enjoyed both Dostoyevsky, existentialism, and Hesse's work, you will like Colin Wilson's "The Outsider": https://www.amazon.com/Outsider-Exploration-Rebellion-Creati...…
on ““The Idiot” Savant: On Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Idiot” ↗If this subject interests you, there is a fair chance you'll like "Narcissus and Goldmund" by Herman Hesse.
on “Ask HN: What books changed the way you think about almost everything?” ↗- Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Through the Looking Glass - Lord of the Flies - 1984 - Animal Farm - The Little Prince - Siddhartha - Narcissus and Goldmund - Crime and Punishment - Frankenstein - Dracula - The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - The Lord of the Rings - Gulliver's Travels - Discworld "series" - Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance…
on “Ask HN: What Are You Fiction Book Recommendations?” ↗Narcissus and Goldmund is probably my favorite of Hesse's novels, but also great is The Glass Bead Game.
on “Ask HN: Best books you read in the past decade?” ↗The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin Narcissus and Goldmund by Hermann Hesse The Lord of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
on “Ask HN: Great fiction books that have had a positive impact on your life?” ↗…Siddhartha recommended a couple times here. It's a good one. If you like Siddhartha, I highly recommend reading Hermann Hesse's other books as well. My favorites are The Glass Bead Game (Nobel-winner) and Narcissus and Goldmund. What I love about HH's books is that I feel as if I've lived the lives of his characters vicariously, passing through their struggles with them and coming out with hard-won wisdom and character. I feel…
on “Ask HN: Great fiction books that have had a positive impact on your life?” ↗I had a contrasting experience with Hesse. Narcissus and Goldmund was really influential on me. It made me realize that life doesn't have to be about buying stuff and fucking the same woman for the rest of my life. It drove me to travel and experience many things. Through…
on “Ask HN: Mind bending books to read and never be the same as before?” ↗