“For there is not a single human being, not even the primitive Negro, not even the idiot, who is so conveniently simple that his being can be explained as the sum of two or three principal elements; and to explain so complex a man as Harry by the artless division into wolf and man is a hopelessly childish attempt. Harry consists of a hundred or a thousand selves, not of two. His life oscillates, as everyone's does, not merely between two poles, such as the body and the spirit, the saint and the sinner, but between thousand and thousands.”

Share & Save

Meaning

Not documented yet.

When It Was Said

Not documented yet.

Who It Was Said To

Not documented yet.

Historical Context

Not documented yet.

Source

Not documented yet.

Original Language & Translation

Originally said in English.

Did They Really Say It?

Not documented yet.

Did You Know?

Not documented yet.

About Hermann Hesse

German novelist and essayist of the early 20th century, Hesse’s work bridges Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. He is best known for novels like *Siddhartha* and *Steppenwolf*, which explore self-discovery, individualism, and the search for meaning. His writing blends philosophical depth with accessible storytelling.

More from Hermann Hesse (262 quotes) →
"For there is not a single human being, not even the primitive Negro,…" — Hermann Hesse | Daily Quotes