This quote from Hermann Hesse's 'Steppenwolf' encapsulates the complex relationship between actions and moral judgment. It suggests that once a deed is committed, regardless of its surface appearance or intent, it becomes part of a larger, uncontrollable stream that shapes one's destiny. The metaphor of being thrown into an 'unclean flow' and losing the ability to swim back emphasizes the irreversible nature of choices in life. It prompts reflection on how our actions, whether seemingly innocent or not, contribute to an ongoing current that we cannot easily escape or undo. This can be both a caution and a realization—highlighting the importance of mindfulness and awareness in our decisions, understanding that each act leaves an indelible mark on our life course. The passage challenges the notion of moral absolutes and invites a nuanced view, recognizing that human existence is often intertwined with uncontrollable forces, and our perceptions of guilt or innocence may be colored by the flow we are caught in. Such ideas encourage introspection about desire, responsibility, and the acceptance of life's continuous, often uncontrollable, movement. It also speaks to the inevitability of change—we are constantly moving along this current, and the possibility of returning to a previous state is perhaps illusory. Overall, it underscores the importance of consciousness in our actions and the acceptance of life's ongoing, unstoppable flow that molds who we are and who we become.