Episode · Lex Fridman Podcast · 2025-03-16
Lex Fridman & Narendra Modi: books mentioned on Lex Fridman Podcast #460
#460 – Narendra Modi: Prime Minister of India – Power, Democracy, War & Peace
Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India. On YouTube this episode is available in English, Hindi, Russian (and soon other languages).
Lex Fridman recommended Demian by Herman Hesse, Steppenwolf by Herman Hesse, and The Glass Bead Game by Hermann Hesse, and discussed Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, The Bhagavad Gita by Jack Hawley, and The Upanishads by Swami Paramananda.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Siddhartha
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse is a classic philosophical novel that follows a young man's spiritual journey of self-discovery, asceticism, and ultimate enlightenment along the banks of a river in ancient India.
Discussed“The book is "Siddhartha" by Herman Hesse.”
Where to get it
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The Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita is a revered ancient spiritual and philosophical text that addresses duty, action, and human existence through a dialogue between the prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna.
Discussed“Hesse immersed himself in translations of ancient Hindu and Buddhist texts, studying the "Upanishads" and the "Bhagavad Gita."”
Where to get it
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The Upanishads
The Upanishads by Swami Paramananda is a foundational collection of ancient Hindu philosophical texts exploring the nature of reality, consciousness, and the self.
Discussed“Hesse immersed himself in translations of ancient Hindu and Buddhist texts, studying the "Upanishads" and the "Bhagavad Gita."”
Where to get it
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Demian
Demian by Hermann Hesse is a classic coming-of-age psychological novel that explores a young protagonist's painful awakening from the illusions of conventional childhood into a deeper, more authentic understanding of the dualities inherent in human nature and morality.
Recommended“I would recommend to read "Demian" when you are younger,”
Where to get it
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Steppenwolf
Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse is a classic philosophical novel that delves deeply into the profound alienation of a man torn between his humanity and his inner wolfish nature, struggling intensely with bourgeois society and spiritual despair.
Recommended“"Steppenwolf" when you are older,”
Where to get it
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The Glass Bead Game
The Glass Bead Game by Hermann Hesse is a complex philosophical novel set in a futuristic province that explores the synthesis of all human knowledge, art, and science through a highly intellectual pastime.
Recommended“and "The Glass Bead Game" if you want to take on Hesse's magnum opus, that rigorously explores the ways the human mind and human civilization can engage in the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, and meaning.”
Where to get it
