Siddhartha

Review

So I started this book thinking this was actually the religious canon version of Buddhism's Siddartha. And I was so confused about how a religion could be founded and held together on such an individualist, anti-authority foundation. Turns out I was just confused, luckily what was left was actually a very thought-provoking, varied, and pretty fast-paced book. The highest praise for this book is its delightful short length while not just telling but showing. Not some grand life philosophy, but instead a thoughtful analysis of various modes of living. Key Ideas: "I can think, I can wait, I can fast." In the life of an ascetic, Siddarth notes meditation/fasting and drinking are similar. Both are just short escapes from the agony and pointlessness of life.