The Glass Bead Game is the book by Hermann Hesse. I have a physical copy of it! The book is inspiring.
Name
The Russian name Игра в бисер is much cooler. The German name Das Glasperlenspiel is even cooler!
2026 Book club
Early 2026 me, a friend I shall not name here, and Helge Rausch of Merveilles began the book club. We read a chapter a week, interweaving the three lives in-between. Me and Helge exchanged impressions on fediverse, here's the transcript:
—-
2026-02-06
bouncepaw:
The Glass Bead Game book club
i_dabble:
Oh, I read it a long time ago and wanted to read it again for a while!
bouncepaw:
me and a friend are reading the first of the three lives this week, and then start with the main story next week. One chapter a week. You can read along
i_dabble:
I think I could manage that! 🤔 I'll try!
i_dabble:
I'm gonna read it in German, though. 😅
bouncepaw:
haha it's the best choice
2026-02-15
i_dabble:
How is it going? I read the first two chapters, but I forgot about the three lives. I'm gonna read the first of those this week, I think.
i_dabble: thoughts after first chapter
-
The Glass Bead Game sounds like what I think category theory is… did Hesse invent CT?
-
Hesse's description of the feuilleton age (my translation) sounds a lot like the age of YouTube video essays and TED talks to me. It came across a bit arrogant, though.
i_dabble: thoughts after second chapter
-
The second chapter sent me thinking about hierarchies, why they exist, why we consider them inefficient today, etc. 🤔
-
The relationship between Joseph and the music master sounds beautiful.
-
The master's remarks about freedom seem interesting. He basically describes *academic freedom* (a constitutional right in Germany, back when the book was released as well as today).
2026-02-17
bouncepaw: thoughts after introduction and ch1
haha it's going well! I suppose what you call chapter one should be called chapter zero instead? In my edition, what you call chapter two is called “1. Call”.
My friend hasn't finished “1. Call” yet, but found the introduction good. And perhaps more people will join; they won't write about their experience either.
I greatly enjoyed the two chapters. The overall tone and the way story is told is awesome. Here we have the biographer's voice, then it's Joseph's POV, all interwoven and mixed, yet still clear.
Hesse didn't know about the Internet, but he so precisely predicted it.
My favourite part is when 17-yo Joseph lamented about the lack of a universal dogma. I'm a bit older, but I have the same concern these days. My beliefs are not exactly right, and what I found wrong before might be right from some angle.
The Castalian society is beautiful. When I read the book for the first time, I was 15 maybe, I wanted to be there. Eternal beauty. Now, I don't really want to. I'm closer to those drop-outs.
What I don't understand is all this music magic. Connecting with the universe, meditating, all through fugues and imagination. I don't get it all. But again, I never studied in Castalia :-)
2026-02-18
i_dabble: thoughts after introduction and ch1
Yeah, the chapters aren't numbered in my edition.
My favourite part is when 17-yo Joseph lamented about the lack of a universal dogma. I'm a bit older, but I have the same concern these days. My beliefs are not exactly right, and what I found wrong before might be right from some angle.
Interesting. But that's just what being a human is, isn't it? Choosing a dogma (or have one chosen for you) seems like the easy answer you'll never find out whether it's right or wrong. You can only believe in it. Anyway…
The Castalian society is beautiful. When I read the book for the first time, I was 15 maybe, I wanted to be there. Eternal beauty. Now, I don't really want to. I'm closer to those drop-outs.
I feel the same way. :D
What I don't understand is all this music magic. Connecting with the universe, meditating, all through fugues and imagination. I don't get it all. But again, I never studied in Castalia :-)
They draw a connection between music and math. I think that's what it is. Meditating on those connections within one area and between different areas, seeing how it all relates to each other.
2026-02-24
bouncepaw: thoughts after the chapter titled Waldzell
I continue. What a great chapter!
Plinio is the character I think I'm closer to than to Joseph. I'm more in-between them, of course, but still closer to Plinio. The life is out there, and secluding oneself from it is indeed against the “nature” (term used in my translation).
Yet again the conversation with the music master reverberates with me. Meditation as a way to gather energy to do whatever one's doing. Maybe I should try? A friend has been suggesting it to me for a year or more already.
Glad Joseph is starting to play the beads. Love his punk poetry-writing episode; I now want to write something myself too.
2026-02-25
i_dabble: thoughts after the first of the three lives
I only caught up with the first of the three lives last week. I found the rant about people not trusting intellectuals very much interesting. Some things never change. 😬 I wonder how much of it was directed at or influenced by the increasing Nazi threat. The rest was quite beautiful. Made me think about how we transfer knowledge to the next generations these days. Especially in times of LLMs and the internet, making it harder to figure out what's true and relevant.
2026-03-01
i_dabble: thoughts after the chapter titled Waldzell
I recently got back into meditating after I, not unlike the music master, stopped doing it, because other things seemed more important. Already being familiar with it and, at the same time, starting anew, is quite an experience in itself. I found value in just letting thoughts play out, instead of immediately stopping them and focusing on my breath. Anyway… I can only add to the pile-on of people telling you to try it! :D As to the book, I like the idea of doubt being part of any serious commitment. If you didn't grapple with it, how do you know you are actually serious? I also found it interesting that it was a "yogin", who helped the music master back on track. I wonder how many people in the west were familiar with eastern meditation practices back then.
2026-03-08
i_dabble: thoughts after the chapter titled Study Years (?)
Oh, that's what the *lifes* are. :D I like how he seems to have processed him helping the Magister Ludi in his first life story. I wonder if I should read the others before moving on. In my copy, they are at the end of the book, though.
There is also the theme of hierarchy again in the rule of the order he has to meditate on. It seems like Hesse is contrasting the hierarchy of the order to a certain other hierarchy of the time. That and the meeting with Plinio gave it quite a dark tone. Now that I think about it, this darkness is also present in the first life story. Earlier in the chapter he writes about how the students were allowed to use their life stories for "critical and revolutionary statements about today's world and Castalia", which is starting to feel like a description of the book itself and as if the book is one of those life stories for Hesse himself.
2026-03-10
bouncepaw: thoughts after the chapter titled Study Years / Years of Freedom
in my edition it's translated as Years of Freedom. I guess that makes sense too, these were years of free study.
Knecht entered this period at 24 yo. I'm just a bit younger, and I wish to enter a similar period of being able to pursue whatever intellectual goal I have for multiple years. But alas, dayjob, university, overall a Plinio-style existence.
The lives are a loophole for Castalians to create something of their own. This is very good; I think lack of creativity is the worst aspect of Castalia. Did you read the first life (“Rainmaker”) as well? I don't remember the other two, but I remember I like this one the most.
The Chinese LARPer is cool. Boldly he rejected rationality and obligations, and just did whatever he wanted to. Coincidentally, I've also getting more interested in Chinese culture lately. I wish Hesse specified what kind of tea they drank…
The whole book is indeed a “life” for Hesse. Most of his books are. They all revolve around one or two central motifs of finding one's purpose, just in different terms.
i_dabble: thoughts after the chapter titled Study Years / Years of Freedom
The Rainmaker story is what I mean by "the first life story".
2026-03-15
i_dabble: thoughts after the chapter titled Two Orders (?)
It's interesting that Knecht, at the same time, seems to be totally oblivious to the politics of it all (although "awakening" to it), rising to the top and being sent as a spy/envoy, without even knowing who Jakobus is, and very aware of the power dynamics between himself and Tegularius, for example. But maybe that's not actually such a contradiction and speaks more to his disinterest in the political and how this makes him a good *spy*? I liked how the intellectual exchange between Jakobus and Knecht was described. In a way in stark contrast to today's internet debate culture, where extremes are pitted against, with no chance or desire to find common ground. Jakobus talking about the Castalians' view of history lacking "blood and reality" stuck with me.
2026-03-18
bouncepaw: thoughts after the chapter titled Two Orders
yeah, I think it's not a contradiction as well. Surely one cares about who's around him (Tegularius) rather than who's an important person somewhere there (Jakobus).
The way they talk with each other is too sweet for me. There was a dialogue where Knecht ‘joked’. Who jokes like this!?
Not sure if we can really compare their debates with the modern internet discourse. Surely, it's mostly masses on the internet, and these two are the most intellectual intellectuals. I once ended up on a very smart website, and people talked there similarly, lest for sweetness. The respect and the search for the common ground was there.
Re: blood and reality. These 2 years in the cloister remind of Knecht's school years and Plinio debates. Surely, the monastic life is not the ‘world’ Plinio was talking about, and it's more closer to Castalia, at least in my non-religious eyes.
P. S. I finished the chapter before your message, I'm still on schedule. My friend, on the other hand, is not… Well, they intend to catch up.
bouncepaw: thoughts after the chapter titled Two Orders
P. S. I like that the monastery this chapter takes place in is given significant political influence. These days, and I figure in days of Hesse too, peace treaties are not signed in houses of faith. But I think they will, in the future, and that's a good thing. Again, I highlight I'm not religious. However, for the last few years I envied the believers. What a good thing that is, faith in God, in principle
i_dabble: thoughts after the chapter titled Two Orders
The internet is different, for sure. What it pointed out to me, was that debate on the internet mostly happens between extremes, because it's better for *engagement*, but doesn't seem very productive. Knecht and Jakobus, on the other hand, have a lot in common and discuss the minutia of their differences, getting closer along the way, which seems a lot more productive to me. You don't need to be an intellectual giant to have a good discussion with someone, just some common ground.
i_dabble: thoughts after the chapter titled Two Orders
I'm not religious, either, but the monastic lifestyle seems pretty nice… ☺️
bouncepaw: thoughts after the chapter titled Two Orders
have you read Hesse's Narcissus and Goldmund? Main characters lived in a cloister!
2026-03-22
bouncepaw: thoughts after the chapter titled The Mission
good chapter that ties the story before and after well.
Tegularius's visit to the monastery reminded me of myself. I too am full of caprices when it comes to physical comfort. The monks were condescending though. Jacobus considered that Knecht was one of the best Castalians, but that implies that some people are inherently worse, and I don't like this notion. On other hand, it's true that Tegularius is not well-adjusted for this environment.
Shall we read the second life starting tomorrow?
2026-03-23
i_dabble: thoughts after the chapter titled The Mission
Knecht defended him, though. I can't help but think this is, again, influenced by the time the book was written in and may become important later?
I found the excursion into luck interesting and that it, indeed, seems like Knecht stumbled into his role at the monastery without anybody having anticipated it. Least of all himself, not even knowing who the man was he was having such a good time with.
Yes, let's read the second life.
2026-03-29
bouncepaw: thoughts after the second life
very strong images, I really liked that one. I now remember that this story is why I like whole “hermit in desert” trope. And the way Dion Pugil was all like “I shall die here” and “you will plant a tree” and telling his story the day before dying.
2026-03-30
i_dabble: thoughts after the second life
I liked it as well. The different confession styles of the two felt psychological. Some people expect punishment, others are good with somebody to listen without judgement. But maybe there is some deeper meaning within the religious context, I don't know a whole lot about.
2026-04-05
bouncepaw: thoughts after the chapter titled Magister Ludi
at long last, Joseph is a Magister. Can't say it's good for him.
When he meditated before being officially elected, he was re-playing his introduction to Music Master, their lives, imagining what could have went different. That's basically Magic Theater from Steppenwolf.
I wonder why Joseph focused on these two figures: himself and Music Master, rather than himself only or many more figures who had influenced his life. Is it because of the similarity of his new Magister status? What if he never met him? I feel like Joseph would have ended up in Castalia nevertheless.
2026-04-06
i_dabble: thoughts after the chapter titled Magister Ludi
He also interpreted this as the perpetual cycle of the student becoming the teacher, teaching the student and admitted to himself that he wanted to become Magister Ludi all along. I wonder when the theme of having power over others and misusing it will show up again. 👀
I feel like Joseph would have ended up in Castalia nevertheless.
He would probably have stumbled into it all the same. :D
2026-04-12
i_dabble: thoughts after the chapter titled In Office
I aspire to the aging music master's vibe… Not talking, making music, smiling.
2026-04-14
bouncepaw: thoughts after the chapter titled In Office
I wish I'm never like that. I'm afraid of being old overall.
In this chapter I'm more glad for Tegularius. His friendship with Knecht is restored and his skills are put to a good use.
2026-04-20
bouncepaw: thoughts after the chapter titled The Two Poles
fragility… I thought about how things end too (who didn't?), and that led me to exploration of more detached, more “complete” media like zines (I hope to finally publish mine this year!) and actively deleting what is meant to perish (older Mastodon toots).
Joseph thought about institutions, of course. I thought about that less. Regarding that, I'm more of a Tegularius.
2026-04-22
i_dabble: thoughts after the chapter titled The Two Poles
Interesting association to zines!
I don't know. I sympathize with both of them. Institutions/hierarchies can be effective to collaboratively achieve a goal. Not if it's done just for the institution's sake, of course. I think they both agree on that. Their conclusion is just different. I'm also reminded of Joseph's thoughts about power dynamics. Intriguing chapter!
2026-04-27
bouncepaw: thoughts after the chapter titled A Conversation
wow now that's a conversation! Plinio's character is so much deeper than I remembered. Holding this grudge for 20 or what years. Feels very real. I can't imagine myself being hurt for so long, but again, I'm not that old. I hope we see more Plinio in the story.
I'm not sure if I like Joseph in this chapter. He's both very attentive and understanding, but at the same time it seems like he's dismissive of Plinio's problems. But why wouldn't he? Plinio's pain is self-inflicted, just like Joseph said.
I might have mentioned that before, but what keeps me amazed is how characters in this book manage to hold such long conversations and not lose any context. Is it their elite education? Or the conversations were more normal, and the biographers edited them this way?
i_dabble: thoughts after the chapter titled A Conversation
Plinio seeks belonging, but is rejected by Castalia as well as the outside world. As long as he can't reconcile that somehow, he will suffer. Josef, on the other hand, seems to have the solution to that, or at least he thinks he does. Psychologically, I find that very interesting. You need to meet people where they are at, in order to be able to help them. You can't argue with emotions. Josef seems to fail at that, at first at least. The last part, showing Plinio some beauty, seems to be more effective. Having people with similar struggles in my life, I recognize the patterns on both sides.
2026-05-02
bouncepaw: thoughts after the chapter titled Preparations
we learn more about Plinio and Joseph, and we get the strongest hints on what is coming next.
I respect the way Joseph approaches the matters in this chapter. He knows for sure what is best for him and what is best for Designori Jr, but still does not don the teacher habit until Plinio's wife consented. He takes preparation for leaving his office seriously as well, and uses it as an opportunity to heal the new wound with Tegularius's friendship. It's all quite sly and foxy but somehow very honest at the same time.
We're getting closer to the end. Can I publish our notes on my digital garden?
2026-05-04
i_dabble: thoughts after the chapter titled Preparations
I can relate to dropping something you once felt passionate about, that now feels like a chore and starting a new thing. Exciting! Will it be what he hopes it will?
Can I publish our notes on my digital garden?
sure!
2026-05-10
i_dabble: thoughts after the chapter titled The Circular Letter
Josef finally sends the letter to the Castalian administration, asking to be relieved of his duties as Magister Ludi and put in charge of a school in regular society. He argues that Castalia should give back more to society, which ultimately decides the fate of Castalia. He sees Castalia vulnerable to be sacrificed first, once famine or war breaks out. He also sees the highest duty of the scholars to the truth. Chillingly, everything he is warning about, attacks on academic freedom, politicization and militarization of the mind, in some unknown future, happened during the writing of the book. WWII had broken out by the time the book was finished. Circumstances changed quite drastically during that time. Looking up from it and see the US go down that same path is uncanny.
bouncepaw: thoughts after the chapter titled The Circular Letter
all warnings in this chapter are timeless, they are always relevant. I think I (we?) should take them personally.
Let's read the third life next, before getting to the final chapter.
2026-05-16
bouncepaw: thoughts after the third life
of all three lives, I like this the least, but it's very good and stands on its own.
We see the Magic Theater from Steppenwolf again, this whole idea of replaying one's life, similar to Knecht's teacher-student meditation. And the Indian setting reminds me of Hesse's Siddhartha, which was my introduction to the author.
Chronologically, Knecht wrote this while being a free student, but it's probably meant to be a bit prophetic (narrators of the book told us that he understood what's gonna happen from the beginning). Should we include Castalia in the concept of Maya? I'd prefer not to, but the story implies so.
2026-05-18
i_dabble: thoughts after the third life
Oh, interesting. How does the story imply that? To me, it seemed like Maya is the outside world, while Castalia is more akin to being isolated in the woods, fulfilling a duty and tending one's mind. They even have the meditation in common.
Two things stood out to me.
First, he is writing that focusing your love one one thing, destroys you if that thing gets lost. I was wondering whether that was about Castalia, echoing his fear of losing it to hard times in the outside world. On the other hand, Pravati didn't much seem like a stand-in for Castalia? 🤔
The second was that contemplation and wisdom can only happen in seclusion, at the edge of life. Again, pretty obviously about Castalia, I think.
i_dabble: thoughts after the third life
Maybe Castalia, in Knecht's mind, *becomes* part of Maya, when he realizes that it doesn't exist in a vacuum and is directly dependent on the will of the outside world to fund it? 🤔
2026-05-24
bouncepaw: thoughts after the last chapter and Knecht's poems
a very tasteful end to the story. Of great respect and love, he spoke with Alexander, trying to help Alexander understand Joseph. Joseph would not yield, of course. Then he abandoned everything, except for the small flute. Joseph came to Castalia through music, and music is what he carried with him out of Castalia.
The teacher arc is the best. One could say he never had a chance to teach young Tito anything, but I think he taught him many, or at least some things. I'm sure Tito would remember Joseph forever.
I had once recommended my mum to read Glass Bead Game, and she actually did. She didn't like the sudden death. But I did. It's such a strong symbol. All this talk about stages, and then you die. Memento mori.
I also read the poems. I didn't really understand the imagery of half of them, as is often the case for me with Western poetry. I liked the Last Glass Bead Game Player poem. It resonates well with the popular Ozymandias poem, which I also like.
And so, the book is over, and we're done here. Thank you for reading with me! It was much more fun this way. Interweaving the three lives was also a good choice, I think. The book still holds the rank of being of my favourites, and it's actually even better now than then, with me being older. I'll probably re-read it in another 8 years and enjoy it even more. I also think I improved my English reading skills.
Soon after I finished the book, the eink screen on my reader got broken.
2026-05-25
i_dabble: thoughts after the last chapter
I really liked the whole passage where he describes the *awakening*. It being not about truth or insight, but about the experience of and relationship to reality (incidentally a very apt description of what meditation is about). You don't get closer to the truth but to yourself. Alexander used similar words, but his center was the duty to Castalia. It also seems very obvious now that Castalia is part of Maya, but everyone in it is very much blue-pilled. The awakenings also mark the end and beginning of different phases of one's life. I can very much relate to it. The sudden, inexplicable urge to do something very specific, right now. That's what happens when I pick up a new hobby… :D There is so much in this chapter, I think I'm gonna have to read it again. I also haven't read the poems, yet.
I enjoyed our little reading club very much as well. It made me pay way more attention than I otherwise would have, I think, similar to having to write an assay about it after in school. :D
Soon after I finished the book, the eink screen on my reader got broken.
Oooh, spooky! :o