What conclusion does Siddhartha draw about meditation and self-denial?

Siddhartha concludes that meditation and self-denial are essential paths to self-discovery and enlightenment, but they alone are not sufficient for achieving true understanding. He recognizes that extreme self-denial can lead to suffering and does not provide the answers he seeks. Ultimately, he learns that a balanced approach, integrating both experience and contemplation, is necessary for attaining spiritual fulfillment. This realization leads him to seek a middle path that embraces both the material and spiritual aspects of life.