Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Johann WolfgangGoethetə/; German: ; 28 August 1749 – 22 March 1832) was a German writer and statesman. His body of work includes epic and lyric poetry written in a variety of metres and styles; prose and verse dramas; memoirs; an autobiography; literary and aesthetic criticism; treatises on botany, anatomy, and colour; and four novels. In addition, numerous literary and scientific fragments, more than 10,000 letters, and nearly 3,000 drawings by him exist...
NationalityGerman
ProfessionPoet
Date of Birth28 August 1749
CountryGermany
Great possessions and great want of them are both strong temptations.
Every bird has its decoy, and every man is led and misled in his own peculiar way.
Thou shalt abstain, Renounce, refrain.
We are surrounded by abysses, but the greatest of all depths is in our own heart, and an irresistible leaning leads us there. Draw thyself from thyself!
I am the Spirit that denies.
Whoever gives himself up to solitude, Ah! he is soon alone.
A resolution that is communicated is no longer within thy power; thy attentions become now the plaything of chance; he who would have his commands certainly carried out must take man by surprise.
For a strolling damsel a doubtful reputation bears.
I consider him of no account who esteems himself just as the popular breath may chance to raise him.
Lord Byron is only great as a poet; as soon as he reflects he is a child.
I hate every violent overthrow, because as much is destroyed as is gained by it.
Reality surpasses imagination; and we see, breathing, brightening, and moving before our eyes sights dearer to our hearts than any we ever beheld in the land of sleep.
When two men quarrel, who owns the cooler head is the more to blame.
I wish the crowd to feel itself well treated, Especially since it lives and lets me live.