Herman Hesse

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33189, 31 March 1973, Page 10

Herman Hesse

If the War Goes On. By Hermann Hesse. Jonathan Cape. 186 pp. This book is subtitled, “Reflections on War and Politics” and this gives the key to its contents. Translated by Ralph Manheim, it is a collection of Hermann Hesse’s writings, letters and essays. The subjects are society, war, politics, and two of Hesse’s driving beliefs, pacifism and internationalism. The latter two concerned the author for most of his life. Yet Hermann Hesse believed salvation on the social level had to occur through the innermost being of each individual, and only then could any collective situation be healthily established. Perhaps the most outstanding political fact of Hesse’s life was his courage in speaking his beliefs, even when they were considered traitorous and dangerous by his country. This was particularly noticeable in Germany after the First World War when Hesse exhorted German youth to abandon nationalism and militarism. The essay, “Zarathustra’s Return,” which gives stirring evidence of this is contained in this book. One of the most obvious things that the book gives voice to is the concern and love that Hesse the man had. In his own life and writings he was a man who never gave up. Other writings include personal reflections on war, history, self-will, and a beautiful piece written about Christmas, 1917. Many of Hesse’s letters are also included, as is an essay on love which perhaps illustrates the dubiety of contemporary life. Collectively these pieces are almost embarrassing in their honesty. Hermann Hesse was a man who carried his heart on his sleeve, he .was simply what he was, not only a great writer but a unique personality.