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
As for what I have done as a poet, I take no pride in whatever. Excellent poets have lived at the same time with me, poets more excellent lived before me, and others will come after me. But that in my country I am the only person who knows the truth in the difficult science of colors-of that, I say, I am not a little proud, and here have a consciousness of superiority to many.
Dauer in Wechsel. Duration in change.
What is the universal? The single case. What is the particular? Millions of cases.
Only he who finds empiricism irksome is driven to method.
Without my attempts in natural science, I should never have learned to know mankind such as it is. In nothing else can we so closely approach pure contemplation and thought, so closely observe the errors of the senses and of the understanding, the weak and strong points of character.
Several classical sayings that one likes to repeat had quite a different meaning from the ones later times attributed to them.
The new vulcanism is really a daring attempt to connect the present, incomprehensible world to a past, unknown one.
One doesn't always lose when one has to do without.
Paternity is based anyhow only upon conviction: I am convinced, therefore, I am the father.
There are people who pay attention to the weaknesses of their friends; that is to no avail. I have always closely watched and profited from the strengths of my adversaries.
A good person, striving dimly, Is well aware of the right path.
Stones are mute teachers; they silence the observer, and the most valuable lesson we learn from them we cannot communicate.
If one mistreats citizens of foreign countries, one infringes upon one's duty toward one's own subjects; for thus one exposes themto the law of retribution.
The most damaging prejudice consists of banning any kind of investigation of nature.