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
I respect the man who knows distinctly what he wishes. The greater part of all mischief in the world arises from the fact that men do not sufficiently understand their own aims. They have undertaken to build a tower, and spend no more labor on the foundation than would be necessary to erect a hut.
There is no outward sign of true courtesy that does not rest on a deep moral foundation.
There is repetition everywhere, and nothing is found only once in the world.
To know where a thing is we must have found it.
When an idea is wanting, a word can always be found to take its place.
Wisdom is only found in truth.
Whoever strikes at marriage either by word or act undermines the foundation of all moral society.
I never believed in trying to do anything. Whatever I set out to do I found I had already accomplished.
For precisely when concepts fail one, Words are found at the right time.
Wisdom is only found in truth. [Ger., Die Weisheit ist nur in der Wahrheit.]
Excellence is rarely found, more rarely valued.
Wisdom is found only in truth.
When all is said the greatest action is to limit and isolate one's self.
I've studied now Philosophy and Jurisprudence, Medicine - and even, alas! Theology - from end to end with labor keen; and here, poor fool with all my lore I stand, no wiser than before.