Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quotes
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We cannot too soon convince ourselves how easily we may be dispensed with in the world. What important personages we imagine ourselves to be! We think that we alone are the life of the circle in which we move; in our absence, we fancy that life, existence, breath will come to a general pause, and, alas, the gap which we leave is scarcely perceptible, so quickly is it filled again; nay, it is often the place, if not of something better, at least for something more agreeable.
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The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. Whatever you think you can do, or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, power and grace.
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Few men have imagination enough for reality.
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To have a positive religion is not necessary. To be in harmony with yourself and the universe is what counts, and this is possible without positive and specific formulation in words.
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A person hears only what they understand.
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Every author in some way portrays himself in his works, even if it be against his will.
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As long as you don't practice it, this dying and becoming, You are only a dreary guest on this dark earth.
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Every man has enough power left to carry out that of which he is convinced.
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Character - in things great and small - is indicated when a man (or person) pursues with sustained follow-through what he feels himself capable of doing.
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Thus I reel from desire to fulfillment and in fulfillment languish for desire.
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Being brilliant is no great feat if you respect nothing.
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Words are good, but there is something better. The best cannot be explained by words. The spirit in which we act is the chief matter. Action can only be only understood and represented by the spirit.
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When I make a mistake everyone can see it, but not when I lie.
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The highest happiness of man ... is to have probed what is knowable and quietly to revere what is unknowable.
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And those whom once my song had cheered and gladdened, If still they live, rove through the world now saddened.
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Plunge boldly into the thick of life!
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The day is committed to error and floundering; success and achievement are matters of long range.
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To understand one thing well is better than understanding many things by halves.
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Give me the benefit of your convictions, if you have any; but keep your doubts to yourself, for I have enough of my own.
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Whatever is the object of a saint's hope is the subject of his prayer.
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We blame equally him who is too proud to put a proper value on his own merit and him who prizes too highly his spurious worth.
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When you lose interest in anything, you also lose the memory for it.
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Over all the mountain tops is peace.
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He who is and remains true to himself and to others has the most attractive quality of the greatest talent.