Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a writer, poet, and philosopher whose works continue to inspire people today. His words encourage us to take chances, be creative, and follow our dreams. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most profound quotes from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and what they represent to us today.
As we explore Goethe quotes, we’ll see how his words continue to inspire us and give us a unique perspective on the world. We’ll talk about the importance of self-trust and determination, the power of art and beauty, and the pursuit of purpose and passion.
Join me on this journey through the mind of one of Germany’s greatest thinkers, and let’s see what wisdom we can glean from his words.
Who is Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a famous German writer, poet, and thinker who lived from 1749 to 1832. He is known for creating incredible literary works such as “Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship,” “Faust,” and “The Sorrows of Young Werther.” Goethe is widely considered to be one of the greatest writers in Germany and a prominent figure in Western literature.
Here are some Facts about Johann Wolfgang von Goethe:
- Goethe was born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1749 and lived till 1832. He was the privileged son of a wealthy lawyer.
- Despite his father’s wishes for him to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a lawyer, Goethe pursued his passion for literature and writing. He began writing at an early age, and his first novel, “The Sorrows of Young Werther,” was published in 1774.
- In addition to his literary accomplishments, Goethe was a talented artist and musician. He studied drawing and painting with a famous artist, and composed music throughout his life.
- Goethe was a scientist who contributed to fields like botany, geology, and optics. He was interested in color and light, and his research laid the foundation for modern color theory.
- Goethe was a respected cultural figure and held various government positions, including an offer to become the head of state in Weimar, Germany.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quotes
Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.
One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if possible, speak a few reasonable words.
Whatever you can do or dream you can begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.
As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.
The person born with a talent they are meant to use will find their greatest happiness in using it.
In the realm of ideas, everything depends on enthusiasm… in the real world, all rests on perseverance.
I love those who yearn for the impossible.
Nothing shows a man’s character more than what he laughs at.
Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.
If you treat an individual as he is, he will remain how he is. But if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be and could be, he will become what he ought to be and could be.
There is nothing worse than imagination without taste.
Character develops itself in the stream of life.
There are two things children should get from their parents: roots and wings.
The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers & cities; but to know someone who thinks & feels with us, & who, though distant, is close to us in spirit, this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden.
We are shaped and fashioned by what we love.
Divide and rule, a sound motto; unite and lead, a better one.
The greatest happiness you can have is knowing that you do not necessarily require happiness.
What is important in life is life, and not the result of life.
The way you see people is the way you treat them, and the way you treat them is what they become.
In the end we retain from our studies only that which we practically apply.
Beauty is everywhere a welcome guest.
Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one’s thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world.
There is nothing so terrible as activity without insight.
We are never deceived; we deceive ourselves.
It is not doing the thing we like to do, but liking the thing we have to do, that makes life blessed.
Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image.
By seeking and blundering we learn.
There is nothing in which people more betray their character than in what they find to laugh at.
Character develops itself in the stream of life.
Colors are the deeds/ and sufferings of light.
Ignorant men raise questions that wise men answered a thousand years ago.
To be happy is to think only of others.
Correction does much, but encouragement does more.
They should be ashamed of themselves, all these sober people!
There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity.
What is uttered from the heart alone will win the heart of others to your own.
A man’s manners are a mirror in which he shows his portrait.
A clever man commits no minor blunders.
It has ever been my fate to give pain to those whose happiness I should have promoted.
Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward. They may be beaten, but they may start a winning game.
One becomes older in order to become kinder.
You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.
In art the best is good enough.
Misunderstandings and neglect occasion more mischief in the world than malice and wickedness.
Life is the childhood of our immortality.
The person born with a talent they are meant to use will find their greatest happiness in using it.
He who cannot draw on three thousand years is living from hand to mouth.
The human race is a monotonous affair. Most people spend the greatest part of their time working in order to live, and what little freedom remains so fills them with fear that they seek out any and every means to be rid of it.
Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.
Everything is hard before it is easy.
Nothing should be prized more highly than the value of each day.
If you’ve never eaten while crying you don t know what life tastes like.
A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.
Every day one should at least hear one little song, read one good poem, see one fine painting and — if at all possible — speak a few sensible words.
We do not have to visit a madhouse to find disordered minds; our planet is the mental institution of the universe.
Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together.
Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one’s thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world.
The man with insight enough to admit his limitations comes nearest to perfection.
I have possessed that heart, that noble soul, in whose presence I seemed to be more than I really was because I was all that I could be.
He who does not think much of himself is much more esteemed than he imagines.
Famous Goethe Quotes
To think is easy. To act is hard. But the hardest thing in the world is to act in accordance with your thinking.
A man can stand anything except a succession of ordinary days.
Know thyself? If I knew myself, I’d run away.
Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being.
Love and desire are the spirit’s wings to great deeds.
Life belongs to the living, and he who lives must be prepared for changes.
The best fortune that can fall to a man is that which corrects his defects and makes up for his failings.
Age does not make us childish, as some say; it finds us true children.
Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of an accident; may pain and pleasure, success, and failure, shift as they will – it’s the only action that can make a man.
Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace and power in it.
None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.
To think is easy. To act is hard. But the hardest thing in the world is to act in accordance with your thinking.
The day of fortune is like a harvest day, we must be busy when the corn is ripe.
Everyone believes in his youth that the world really began with him and that all merely exists for his sake.
Nothing shows a man’s character more than what he laughs at.
Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least.
A person hears only what they understand.
The greater part of all the mischief in the world arises from the fact that men do not sufficiently understand their own aims.
Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.
I have so much in me, and the feeling for her absorbs it all; I have so much, and without her it all comes to nothing.
Music is liquid architecture; Architecture is frozen music.
At the moment of commitment the entire universe conspires to assist you.
If I accept you as you are, I will make you worse; however, if I treat you as though you are what you are capable of becoming, I help you become that.
Instruction does much, but encouragement is everything.
Fortune rarely accompanies anyone to the door.
Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men.
Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing.
That is the true season of love, when we believe that we alone can love, that no one could ever have loved so before us and that no one will love in the same way as us.
Love grants in a moment what toil can hardly achieve in an age.
From desire I rush to satisfaction; from satisfaction, I leap to desire.
We amuse ourselves painting our prison-walls with bright figures and brilliant landscapes.
For a man to achieve all that is demanded of him, he must regard himself as greater than he is.
We know accurately only when we know little; doubt grows with knowledge.
Tell me with whom you consort and I will tell you who you are; if I know how you spend your time, then I know what might become of you.
Difficulties increase the nearer we get to the goal.
I have so much in me, and the feeling for her absorbs it all; I have so much, and without her it all comes to nothing.
It’s true that nothing in this world makes us so necessary to others as the affection we have for them.
Words are mere sound and smoke, dimming the heavenly light.
How many kings are governed by their ministers, how many ministers by their secretaries? Who, in such cases, is really the chief?
One never goes so far as when one doesn’t know where one is going.
Nothing is more disgusting than the majority: because it consists of a few powerful predecessors, of rogues who adapt themselves, of weak who assimilate themselves, and the masses who imitate without knowing at all what they want.
Wrapping up:
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s ideas and teachings go beyond just writing and art. They also relate to science, philosophy, and other subjects. Even today, people still find his words inspiring and comforting.
They help us understand ourselves better and make sense of the world around us. Goethe’s work is still meaningful and relevant today, and his ideas continue to impact humanity.
His famous quote, “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it,” reminds us to take action toward our goals and dreams.
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