Question

Metaphorically, siddhartha feels that pleasure-lovers and wealth-seekers are children. in what way are they childlike?

O the "child people" complain about unimportant things. the "child people" complain about unimportant things.
O the "child people" do not know what mature wisdom is. the "child people" do not know what mature wisdom is.
O children and "child people" both want money more than anything else.
O "child people" and children laugh all the time.

Answer 1

Siddhartha metaphorically views pleasure-lovers and wealth-seekers as childlike because they lack mature wisdom and understanding of life's deeper meanings, embodying a naive pursuit of transient desires that mirrors the ignorance and simplicity of children. Thus answer is the "child people" do not know what mature wisdom is.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding the Metaphor of Childlike Pleasure-Lovers and Wealth-Seekers

In Herman Hesse's Siddhartha, the metaphor of pleasure-lovers and wealth-seekers being childlike is used to express the idea that these "child people" have not yet reached a state of mature wisdom. The comparison indicates that just as children might not comprehend the depth and implications of their desires, individuals who are engrossed in the pursuit of sensual pleasures or material wealth may lack the understanding of life's impermanent nature and the suffering that comes from attachment to transient desires.

Relation to Buddhist Philosophy

Buddhist teachings, particularly the concept of the Four Noble Truths, sheds light on why such an existence is considered naive or childlike. Central to Buddhism is the understanding that suffering arises from attachment to desires and that the cessation of attachment leads to freedom from suffering. In this sense, those consumed with chasing material and sensual pleasures are often oblivious to the impermanence of such satisfactions, and their continual craving reinforces their 'childlike' behavior.

Application to Siddhartha's Perception

Through Siddhartha's eyes, the childlike adults are those who are preoccupied with trivial matters and fail to recognize the true essence of enlightenment. Their preoccupation with wealth and pleasure prevents them from achieving a deeper fulfillment and connection beyond the physical or material. Therefore, the correct option that reflects Siddhartha's view is: the "child people" do not know what mature wisdom is. This encapsulates the idea that in their ignorance, they remain unaware of the more profound joys and insights that come with spiritual growth and understanding.