C.G. Jung & Hermann Hesse

_This is the second time that I have read this remarkable book. Both times I found myself envying the author for having established friendships with two of my greatest heroes, two of the greatest sages of modern times, Hermann Hesse and C.G. Jung._This is not some collection of trivial exchanges- from the first meeting with both men the tone of the conversations were deep and significant. As the author says, it was like he had known both men before and they were resuming an old discussion. Hess himself commented on it and said that, "Here, only the right guests meet. This is the Hermetic Circle...." Sounds rather like Jung's concept of synchronicity, though Jung also speaks of Hermetic links with past and future in these discussions._While both sections cover a remarkable amount of the core meaning of the life work of both men, there is also a personal sense here. You feel like you are meeting them yourself, are also guests in their houses. Not that the ideas are all rehash either- here and there something new pops up. An example would be how in one of the interviews with Jung the discussion turned to how both the ancient Greeks and the Native Americans both thought from their hearts and not their heads. Thinking exclusively from one's head is the result of dissociation between ego and Self- and sets up a tension that may tear a person or culture to pieces. In any case, you feel that you know both men. Of course, Hesse's novels were autobiographical in the deepest sense (and it is reaffirming to know that he actually was an accurate reflection of his characters- it wasn't just a show.) As for Jung, he states outright that he wrote primarily for his own process of individuation and that the fact that so many others read him made him frankly uncomfortable._I was glad to see that my own perceptions of these often misunderstood and misinterpreted men seem to have been accurate from the start. For me too it was like a conversation with old friends- relinking with the Hermetic Circle.

Philosophy can be so tiresome so I was delighted to find an entertaining and light read like this. I find admiration not only for the works of the author and his subjects, but also find admiration for their friendships, which were sincere, meaningful, and profound.

Added tinder to an old inspiration. A perfect accompaniment on my voyage from Puno to the Sacred Valley, in search of the ways of the ancients. On the same path the Incans were forced upon by the conquest of Western Rationalism that has cut us from our roots. Happy searching, mi hermano!

This is a beautifully written book that reveals Serrano’s talents as a writer and poet. He was a man of many skills and accomplishments and a friend of many famous men in both Asia and the west. What the book does not reveal is that Serrano was also a self-proclaimed Nazi, racist, and anti-Semite who believed that Hitler and was an extraterrestrial avatar descended to earth to lead men to a new age. Certainly an interesting study in contrasts.

This is a classic. Serreno interviews both Jung and Hesse separately. Both men are in advanced old age at the time, both residents of Switzerland. Both are, of course, highly evolved men. Never sure just how much is actually Jung and Hesse and how much are Serrano's "interpretations". Nonetheless, I highly recommend this little book.

Hermann Hesse is one of my all time favorite writers. Had a huge impact on my life. Carl Jung naturally added to this with his complementary philosophy and psychology.Learning that the two were close friends and their impact on each other was immensely interesting.

While I enjoyed this book, it fell short of the other reviews posted here. I'll preface my review - my readings of Jung are more limited than Hesse. I would rate the Hesse portion 2 stars, and the Jung Section 4 stars.Serrano romanticizes both Hesse and Jung to the point that they are portrayed as spiritual leaders. Serrano reminded me of a wide-eyed traveler who enjoyed idealizing the East, never really becoming entrenched in the culture. Spirituality isn't found by moving to India as much as Serrano alludes. It is possible my cynicism is a result of a recent trip to Asia where I encountered many travelers that reminded me of Serrano's worldly immaturity, although his later fascination with Nazism lends itself to my analysis.I was looking forward to the linkage between these authors and East theology/philosophy, but I think Serrano came up short. Some ideas he purports came from Jung or Hesse were around long before either author was born, and I do not think either author would say otherwise.Serrano fixates, at times, on himself a bit too much. Maybe some readers find Serrano interesting, but I was reading the book for insight into Hesse and Jung.Serrano wrote about Hesse as if Hesse were the Buddha. If you are interested in spiritual guidance I'd search elsewhere. Personally I think Hesse led a life of greater inner turmoil than Serrano lets on in this piece. I can appreciate the other reviewer's comment about people misunderstanding Hesse, however I found reading Hesse's "Wandering" more fruitful than this work.I did enjoy the Jung section. Serrano focuses less on himself in the Jung section and has more detailed accounts of interactions which I found fascinating. However, my readings of Jung are somewhat limited so the section may not actually offer much insight compared to other works.I'd recommend reading the book for the Jung section, but maybe get this book from the library rather than buying it.

Great book I gifted my son with, read years ago......