Starting from his younger days where he was recognized as a student of immense potential in the arts and in intellect, to his mentorship in meditation under his patron, the former Music Master, and progressing through the various tasks he had to undertake in his Castalian years, the book culminates in his elevation to Magister Ludi status (the youngest to become one) and his subsequent disillusion with the position and Castalia in general. The writing is precise and goes deep into the psyche of Knecht and his observations and thoughts on the world he populates and his unique relationship with Castalia. While acknowledging the importance of maintaining the arts and the creative fulcrum of the state, he also realizes the folly of becoming a world within a world. Passionately defending Castalian ideals to one of his closest friends from the outside world, he also wonders at its fragility considering it is run on the benevolence of the state and its benefactors. Descriptions of the world in the 23rd century and unhurried ruminations on Knecht’s progress through life and his emphasis on meditation and intellectual excellence make this seem almost as if we are reading the life history of a real person.