Mental Strength In Herman Hesse's Siddhartha

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The Power of Mental Strength Mental toughness is the ability to withstand stressful and intense conditions placed on either the body or mind. In Siddhartha, written by Herman Hesse, Siddhartha endures excruciating circumstances and learns how to develop mental strength through his hardships. Learning how to say ‘no’ is a crucial component of developing this strength, because it establishes confidence and enables a person to stand up for themselves. When Kamla offered to have sex with Siddhartha, he was “tempted to say yes and relinquish all of his penance” because he was physically attracted to her (Hesse 54). Instead, he resisted the temptation and declined the offer, due to steadfast morals. He exhibited mental toughness by thinking through