“Oh, love isn't there to make us happy. I believe it exists to show us how much we can endure.”

— Hermann Hesse, Peter Camenzind (1904)

About Hermann Hesse

1877 – 1962

German-Swiss novelist and poet, Nobel laureate in Literature (1946), author of "Siddhartha" and "Steppenwolf".

“Eternity is a mere moment, just long enough for a joke.”

“I have never lost the feeling of contradiction that lies behind all knowledge.”

“The bird fights its way out of the egg. The egg is the world.”

“Love the little trade which thou hast learned, and be content therewith.”

“They who know the truth are not equal to those who love it, and they who love it are not equal to those who delight in it.”

“Something the heart must have to cherish, must love and joy and sorrow learn.”

“Seize the moments of happiness, love and be loved! That is the only reality in the world, all else is folly.”

“He knew she was there by the joy and fear that overwhelmed his heart.”

“Pleasure and love are the pinions of great deeds.”