I had a contrasting experience with Hesse. Narcissus and Goldmund was really influential on me. It made me realize that life doesn't have to be about buying stuff and fucking the same woman for the rest of my life. It drove me to travel and experience many things. Through that process I gained perspective you just can't get by being stuck in an office working so you can buy shit you don't need, most of the time advancing the subliminal competition your wife is in with her girlfriends.