Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quotes
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A man must cling to the belief that the incomprehensible is comprehensible; otherwise he would not try to fathom it.
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Of all thieves, fools are the worst; they rob you of time and temper.
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I have often reaped what others have sowed. My work is the work of a collective being that bears the name Goethe.
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I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate.
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What am I then...? Everything that I have seen, heard, and observed I have collected and exploited. My works have been nourished by countless different individuals, by innocent and wise ones, people of intelligence and dunces. Childhood, maturity and old age all have brought me their thoughts....their perspectives on life. I have often reaped what others have sowed. My work is the work of a collective being that bears the name Goethe.
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What makes people happy is activity; changing evil itself into good by power, working in a God like manner.
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One is never satisfied with a portrait of persons whom one knows. That is why I have always pitied portraitists. One demands so seldom of others the impossible, but demands just that of the portraitists.
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Solitude is fine when you are at peace with yourself and have something definite to do.
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Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think that those branches would turn green again and blossom, but we hope it, we know it.
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Not the maker of plans and promises, but rather the one who offers faithful service in small matters. This is the person who is most likely to achieve what is good and lasting.
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Paternity is based anyhow only upon conviction: I am convinced, therefore, I am the father.
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It is a maxim of wise government to treat people not as they should be but as they actually are.
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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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To make converts is the natural ambition of everyone.
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Every bird has its decoy, and every man is led and misled in his own peculiar way.
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When you take a man as he is, you make him worse. When you take a man as he can be, you make him better.
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At bottom, no real object is unpoetical, if the poet knows how to use it properly.
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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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Destiny grants us our wishes, but in its own way, in order to give us something beyond our wishes.
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The solution of every problem is another problem.
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Tolerance comes of age. I see no fault committed that I myself could not have committed at some time or other.
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What I possess I would gladly retain. Change amuses the mind, yet scarcely profits.
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Humor is one of the elements of genius--admirable as an adjunct; but as soon as it becomes dominant, only a surrogate for genius.
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Hatred is a heavy burden. It sinks the heart deep in the breast, and lies like a tombstone on all joys.