Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quotes
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The most congenial social occasions are those ruled by cheerful deference of each for all.
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'No matter how far our spiritual culture may continue to progress, no matter how much the natural sciences may grow, becoming ever more profound and more inclusive, no matter how much the human spirit may will to expand, that human spirit will never escape from the majesty and ethical sublimity of Christianity, as it shimmers and shines in the Gospels.'
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Art is a mediator of the unspeakable.
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It used to happen, and still happens, to me to take no pleasure in a work of art at the first sight of it, because it is too much for me; but if I suspect any merit in it, I try to get at it; and then I never fail to make the most gratifying discoveries--to find new qualities in the work itself and new faculties in myself.
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I can tell you, honest friend, what to believe: believe life; it teaches better that book or orator.
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Who strives always to the utmost, him can we save.
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Our wishes are presentiments of the abilities that lie in us, harbingers of what we will be able to accomplish.
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English plays, Atrocious in content, Absurd in form, Objectionable in action, Execrable English Theatre.
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A state of true and universal tolerance is best ensured by leaving alone the peculiarities of men and peoples.
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A man's name is not like a mantle which merely hangs about him...but a perfectly fitting garment, which, like the skin, has grown over him, at which one cannot rake and scrape without injuring the man himself.
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Ein echter deutscher Mann mag keinen Franzen leiden,Doch ihre Weine trinkt er gern.
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Each indecision brings its own delays and days are lost lamenting over lost days... What you can do or think you can do, begin it. For boldness has magic, power, and genius in it.
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Man darf nur alt werden, um milder zu sein; ich sehe keinen Fehler begehen, den ich nicht auch begangen hätte.
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People do not mind their faults being spread out before them, but they become impatient if called on to give them up.
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There are people who pay attention to the weaknesses of their friends; that is to no avail. I have always closely watched and profited from the strengths of my adversaries.
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Seeking with the soul the land of the Greeks.
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Divide and rule, the politician cries; unite and lead, is watchword of the wise.
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Bin ich ein Gott? Mir wird so licht!
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Here too it’s masquerade, I find: As everywhere, the dance of mind. I grasped a lovely masked procession, And caught things from a horror show… I’d gladly settle for a false impression, If it would last a little longer, though.
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A good person, striving dimly, Is well aware of the right path.
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To live as one likes is plebian the noble man aspires to order and law.
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The force of a language does not consist of rejecting what is foreign but of swallowing it.
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Piety, like nobility, has its aristocracy.
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What you have inherited from your forefathers, it takes work to make it your own.