I bet this is a cool book to read if you never heard of Buddhism before. In the historical context when it was published it was surely important. But right now you can learn about Buddhist philosophy in other, better ways, and Hesse's ponderous self-importance is a drag. This is a book for young men who want to feel deep and then lord it over others that they've read it.

I don't recommend taking the time to read this mostly on account of life being short and there being plenty of better books.