Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quotes
-
True works of art contain their own theory and give us the measurement according to which we should judge them.
-
True happiness springs from moderation.
-
Tolerance should really be only a temporary attitude; it must lead to recognition. To tolerate means to offend.
-
The world is for thousands a freak show; the images flicker past and vanish; the impressions remain flat and unconnected in the soul. Thus they are easily led by the opinions of others, are content to let their impressions be shuffled and rearranged and evaluated differently.
-
Death is Nature's expert advice to get plenty of Life.
-
Everything that we call Invention or Discovery in the higher sense of the word is the serious exercise and activity of an original feeling for truth, which, after a long course of silent cultivation, suddenly flashes out into fruitful knowledge.
-
It is a great error to take oneself for more than one is, or for less than one is worth.
-
Tolerance comes of age. I see no fault committed that I myself could not have committed at some time or other.
-
When an idea is wanting, a word can always be found to take its place.
-
Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being.
-
The older we get the more we must limit ourselves if we wish to be active.
-
An absent friend gives us friendly company when we are well assured of his happiness.
-
The aim of living is life itself.
-
All the knowledge I possess everyone else can acquire, but my heart is all my own.
-
Oral delivery aims at persuasion and making the listener believe they are converted. Few persons are capable of being convinced the majority allow themselves to be persuaded.
-
If any man wish to write in a clear style, let him be first clear in his thoughts; and if any would write in a noble style, let him first possess a noble soul.
-
It is better for you to suffer an injustice than for the world to be without law. Therefore, let everyone submit to the law.
-
To witness two lovers is a spectacle for the gods.
-
At the end of life thoughts hitherto impossible come to the collected mind, like good spirits which let themselves down from the shining heights of the past.
-
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.
-
The rose is wont with pride to swell, and ever seeks to rise.
-
I have found among my papers a sheet . . . in which I call architecture frozen music.
-
While man's desires and aspirations stir he cannot choose but err.
-
If only these treasures were not so fragile as they are precious and beautiful.