May 17

The novel Demian talks a lot about trying to form your own identity in a world that is confusing.  In a number of places Hesse refers to the German philosopher Nietzsche, who talked about the struggles people have in forming their own philosophy of life in a world in which they are alone.  Here are some of Nietzsche's key ideas:

• People are alone in the universe can cannot rely upon society's values
• "God is dead." No, it's not like he was killed.  Nietzsche felt that religion shouldn't be a crutch

Sparknotes summary of Nietzsche's ideas: Nietzsche

I hope you're enjoying Demian.  From what I've noticed over the years, Herman Hesse is one of the most popular novelists for 17-25 year-olds.  The reading is hard (especially this novel) but the ideas are intriguing because they deal with the struggle to find your identity, which all of you are doing right now, even though you might not think about it in those terms. One of the reasons it is difficult to decide just who we are as people has to do with deciding which people we want to be like and which people we don't want to emulate.  And usually we want to forge an identity for ourselves that is different from everyone we know.  It makes sense that we'd all want to be our own unique selves since we are, after all, unique.

The kinds of questions people ask themselves as they try to decide just who they are include, but are not limited to:

• Do I want to be like Mom, or Dad?  
• How do I want to be different from other people, like the kids who used to be my friends but aren't anymore?
• Why do I feel different inside than I did before?
• What things do I value and like to do?
• Is it OK that I don't want to be the person that other people tell me I should be?
• What kind of person do I want to be?

Journal write today:
Why do you think it is difficult for people to find their own identity?  

Write 1/2 - 3/4 page
Note: Here's a basic grading guide for some of you (Max)
C--Common work
B--Beyond common
A--Above beyond
It's pretty hard to be "above beyond" if you write only 1/2 page

Here's a quote from Sinclair that touches upon this issue:

I wanted only to try to live in accord with the promptings which came from my true self.  Why was that so very difficult?