It is not enough to take steps which may some day lead to a goal; each step must be itself a goal and a step likewise.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(18 September 1823), in P. Eckermann, Conversations with Goethe, 1835-1848 [tr. Oxenford (1850)]
Certain flaws are necessary for the whole. It would seem strange if old friends lacked certain quirks.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
The intelligent man finds almost everything ridiculous, the sensible man hardly anything.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
To think is easy. To act is hard. But the hardest thing in the world is to act in accordance with your thinking.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
Life is a quarry, out of which we are to mold and chisel and complete a character.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
Let everyone sweep in front of his own door, and the whole world will be clean.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
If any man wishes 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.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
Everything is simpler than you think and at the same time more complex than you imagine.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
A great deal of talent is lost to the world for want of a little courage.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you will help them become what they are capable of becoming.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
It is better to be deceived by one’s friends than to deceive them.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
Rest not! Life is sweeping by;
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
Go and dare before you die.
Something mighty and sublime
Leave behind to conquer time.
(Attributed)
If you assign people duties without granting them any rights, you must pay them well.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
One man’s word is no man’s word; we should quietly hear both sides.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
Music, in the best sense, does not require novelty; nay, the older it is, and the more we are accustomed to it, the greater its effect.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
We each have only enough strength to complete those assignments that we are fully convinced are important.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
Many people take no care of their money till they come nearly to the end of it, and others do just the same with their time.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
Life is the childhood of our immortality.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
Correction does much, but encouragement does more.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
He who enjoys doing and enjoys what he has done is happy.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
Nothing will change the fact that I cannot produce the least thing without absolute solitude.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
(Attributed)
In A. Hock, Reason and Genius, 2.3.1 (1960)
And I have again observed, my dear friend, in this trifling affair, that misunderstandings and neglect occasion more mischief in the world than even malice and wickedness. At all events, the two latter are of less frequent occurrence.
[Und ich habe, mein Lieber, wieder bei diesem kleinen Geschäft gefunden, dass Missverständnisse und Trägheit vielleicht mehr Irrungen in der Welt machen als List und Bosheit. Wenigstens sind die beiden letzteren gewiss seltener.]
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
Die Leiden des jungen Werthers [The Sorrows of Young Werther], “Letter from May 4th” (1774)
No doubt you are right, my best of friends, there would be far less suffering amongst mankind, if men — and God knows why they are so fashioned — did not employ their imaginations so assiduously in recalling the memory of past sorrow, instead of bearing their present lot with equanimity.
[Gewiss, du hast recht, Bester, der Schmerzen wären minder unter den Menschen, wenn sie nicht - Gott weiss, warum sie so gemacht sind - mit so viel Emsigkeit der Einbildungskraft sich beschäftigten, die Erinnerungen des vergangenen Übels zurückzurufen, eher als eine gleichgültige Gegenwart zu ertragen.]
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
Die Leiden des jungen Werthers [The Sorrows of Young Werther], “Letter from May 4th” (1774)
He is dangerous who has nothing to lose.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
Die natürliche Tochter, 1.3 (1804)
The words you’ve bandied are sufficient;
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
‘Tis deeds that I prefer to see.
[Der Worte sind genug gewechselt,
Lasst mich auch endlich Thaten sehn.]
Faust, “Vorspiel auf dem Theater,” l.214 (trans. Bayard Taylor) (1808)
For man must strive, and striving he must err.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
Faust, 1, “Prologue in Heaven” (1808-1832) [tr. P. Wayne (1959)]
Where there is much light, the shadows are deepest.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
[Wo viel Licht is, ist starker Schatten.]
Gotz von Berlichingen, I, 24 (1773)
Too rigid scruples are concealed pride.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
[Zu strenge Ford'rung ist verborgner Stolz.]
Iphigenia auf Tauris, IV, iv, 120 (1787)
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