Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quotes
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Ingratitude is always a kind of weakness. I have never known men of ability to be ungrateful.
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Whoever aspiring, struggles on, for him there is salvation.
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Do the duty which lies nearest to thee.
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I make presents to the mother but think of the daughter.
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Yes! to this thought I hold with firm persistence; The last result of wisdom stamps it true; He only earns his freedom and existence Who daily conquers them anew.
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What is the true test of character unless it be its progressive development in the bustle and turmoil, in the action and reaction of daily life.
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Limitation of aims is the mother of wisdom and the secret of achievement.
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We can most safely achieve truly universal tolerance when we respect that which is characteristic in the individual and in nations, clinging, though, to the conviction that the truly meritorious is unique by belonging to all of mankind.
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Some of our weaknesses are born in us, others are the result of education; it is a question which of the two gives us most trouble.
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All is born of water; all is sustained by water.
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On top of the world, or in the depths of despair.
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Duration in change.
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Some books seem to have been written, not to teach us anything, but to let us know that the author has known something.
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There is nothing in which people more betray their character than in what they laugh at.
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The loss of a much-prized treasure is only half felt when we have not regarded its tenure as secure.
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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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Tell me with whom you associate, and I will tell you who you are.
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Those who have no hope for a future life are already dead for the present one.
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It is said that no man is a hero to his valet. That is because a hero can be recognized only by a hero.
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There is no patriotic art and no patriotic science.
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Our virtues and view spring from one root.
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If all these devils really exist it proves there must be angels, too.
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Age merely shows what children we remain.
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No doubt you are right... there would be far less suffering amongst mankind if men... did not employ their imaginations so assiduously in recalling the memory of past sorrow, instead of bearing their present lot with equanimity.