Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quotes
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Great possessions and great want of them are both strong temptations.
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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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Men are much more apt to agree in what they do than in what they think.
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I wish the stage were as narrow as the wire of a tighrope dancer so that no incompetent would dare step upon it.
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Every great idea exerts, on first appearing, a tyrannical influence: Hence, the advantages it brings are turned all too soon into disadvantages.
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I make presents to the mother but think of the daughter.
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I have heard myself accused of being an opponent, an enemy of mathematics, which no one can value more highly than I, for it accomplishes the very thing whose achievement has been denied me.
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The hero draws inspiration from the virtue of his ancestors.
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We are our own aptest deceiver.
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Every man has enough power left to carry out that of which he is convinced.
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The trouble is small, the fun is great.
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Unlimited activity, of whatever kind, must end in bankruptcy.
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Over all the mountain tops is peace.
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Men in a state of nature, uncivilized nations, children, have a great fondness for colors in their utmost brightness, and especially for yellow-red.
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Only by joy and sorrow does a person know anything about themselves and their destiny. They learn what to do and what to avoid.
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Translators are like busy match-makers: they sing the praises of some half-veiled beauty, and extol her charms, and arouse an irresistible longing for the original.
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There is no greater consolation for mediocrity than that the genius is not immortal.
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Nature goes her own way, and all that to us seems an exception is really according to order.
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Certain books seem to be written, not that we might learn from them, but in order that we might see how much the author knows.
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He who is plenteously provided for from within needs but little from without.
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The style of writing required in the great world is distinguished by a free and daring grace, a careless security, a fine and sharp polish, a delicate and perfect taste; while that fitted for the people is characterized by a vigorous natural fulness, a profound depth of feeling, and an engaging naivete.
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Any trifle is enough to entertain two lovers.
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One can stand anything except a succession of ordinary days.
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We can offer up much in the large, but to make sacrifices in little things is what we are seldom equal to.