Abstract:
Hesse embraced the legacy of Romantic poet-philosophers, and his poetic existential philosophy bears similarities to Heidegger's exploration of the origins of dwelling. Drawing inspiration from the barren lands devastated by industrial society, Hesse contemplates the underlying causes of spiritual exhaustion and formulates a three-tiered framework for human dwelling and nourishment. Firstly, he advocates for the poet's pursuit of the art of dwelling, celebrating the radiant beauty of nature as a counterforce against the erosion of industrialized living. He reflects on the past and future of urban environments, prophesying an eventual return to nature's embrace. Secondly, he delves into the liberation and joy found in "escape" from societal constraints. The utilitarianism of "work" alienates individuals from life's intrinsic meaning. In contrast, "play" integrates sensuality and rationality, allowing work to reconnect with its original purpose. "Wandering" nourishes and sparks reflective vitality, while "madness" or "death" becomes the embodiment of a genius resisting the shackles of the world. Lastly, Hesse aspires to preserve the divinity of ritualistic spaces. Sustaining faith, savoring the divine, and cultivating inner love become the means to break free from the clutches of material desires in our work and rediscover our spiritual home.