WIST Quotations

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen] (1880) [tr. Scrase and Mieder (1994)]

Dave — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 13:07:27 +0000

Even in the most wretched being there is a tiny hook on which a thread of salvation could be fastened.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen] (1880) [tr. Scrase and Mieder (1994)]
(Source)

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 4 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Dave — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 21:11:33 +0000

A judgment can be refuted, but never a prejudice.

[Ein Urtheil läßt ſich widerlegen, aber niemals ein Vorurtheil.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 4 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]
(Source)

(Source (German)). Other translation:

An opinion can be controverted; a prejudice, never.
[tr. Wister (1883)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 9 (1880) [tr. Wister (1883)]

Dave — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 20:32:53 +0000

Conquer, but never triumph.

[Siege, aber triumphire nicht.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 9 (1880) [tr. Wister (1883)]
(Source)

(Source (German)). Another translation:

Be victorious but not triumphant.
[tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 10 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Dave — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 18:38:57 +0000

Chance is necessity hidden behind a veil.

[Zufall ist die in Schleier gehüllte Nothwendigkeit.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 10 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]
(Source)

(Source (German)). Another translation:

Accident is veiled necessity.
[tr. Wister (1883)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 41 (1880-1893) [tr. Wister (1882)]

Dave — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 18:32:59 +0000

To have and not give is in some cases worse than stealing.

[Haben und nichts geben, ist in manchen Fällen schlechter als stehlen.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 41 (1880-1893) [tr. Wister (1882)]
(Source)

(Source (German)). Another translation:

To have and not give is in some instances worse than stealing.
[tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 60 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Dave — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 15:39:16 +0000

Whatever you think you have to do is simply what you want to do.

[Was Du zu müssen glaubst, ist das, was Du willst.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 60 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]
(Source)

(Source (German)). Other translation:

What you wish to do you are apt to think you ought to do.
[tr. Wister (1883)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 89 (1880) [tr. Wister (1883)]

Dave — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:14:04 +0000

To be content with little is difficult; to be content with much, impossible.

[Sich mit Wenigem begnügen ist schwer, sich mit Vielem begnügen noch schwerer.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 89 (1880) [tr. Wister (1883)]
(Source)

(Source (German)). Other translation:

To be satisfied with little is hard, to be satisfied with a lot is impossible.
[tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 91 (1880) [tr. Wister (1883)]

Dave — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 17:54:30 +0000

There is only one proof of ability — action.

[Für das Können gibt es nur einen Beweis: das Tun.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 91 (1880) [tr. Wister (1883)]
(Source)

(Source (German)). Other translation:

There is only one proof of ability: doing it.
[tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 97 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Dave — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 14:31:31 +0000

Much less evil would be done on earth if evil could not be done in the name of good.

[Es würde sehr wenig Böses auf Erden getan werden, wenn das Böse niemals im Namen des Guten getan werden könnte.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 97 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]
(Source)

(Source (German)). Another translation:

But little evil would be done in the world if evil could never be done in the name of good.
[tr. Wister (1883)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 104 (1880) [tr. Wister (1883)]

Dave — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 17:04:24 +0000

The world would be much better off if the pains taken to analyze the subtlest moral laws were given to the practice of the simplest.

[Es stände besser um die Welt, wenn die Mühe, die man sich gibt, die subtilsten Moralgesetze auszuklüglen, zur Ausübung der einfachsten angewendet würde.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 104 (1880) [tr. Wister (1883)]
(Source)

(Source (German)). Another translation:

The world would be in better shape if people would take the same pains in the practice of the simplest moral laws as they exert in intellectualizing over the most subtle moral questions.
[tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 105 (1880) [tr. Wister (1883)]

Dave — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 12:31:50 +0000

“It is impossible to help all,” says the miser, and — helps none.

[Man kann nicht allen helfen! sagt der Engherzige und — hilft Keinem.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 105 (1880) [tr. Wister (1883)]
(Source)

(Source (German)). Other translation:

You can't be of help to everybody! say the narrow-minded, and help nobody.
[tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 107 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Dave — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:14:06 +0000

Parents forgive their children least readily for the faults they themselves instilled in them.

[Eltern verzeihen ihren Kindern die Fehler am schwersten, die sie selbst ihnen anerzogen haben.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 107 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]
(Source)

(Source (German)). Other translation:

Parents are least ready to forgive in their children faults which result from their own training.
[tr. Wister (1883)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 133 (1880) [tr. Wister (1883)]

Dave — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 13:51:40 +0000

Morals refine manners, as manners refine morals.

[Die Sittlichkeit verfeinert die Sitte, und die Sitte wiederum die Sittlichkeit.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 133 (1880) [tr. Wister (1883)]
(Source)

(Source (German)). Another translation:

Morality refines customs and customs in turn refine morality.
[tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 219 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Dave — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 12:16:11 +0000

The greatest enemy of justice is privilege.

[Der größte Feind des Rechtes ist das Vorrecht.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 219 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]
(Source)

(Source (German)). Other translation:

The greatest enemy of the law of right is the law of prerogative.
[tr. Wister (1883)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 267 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Dave — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 18:05:08 +0000

Not every great man is a great human being.

[Nicht jeder große Mann is ein großer Mensch.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 267 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]
(Source)

(Source (German)). Another translation:

Not every great man is a grand human being.
[tr. Wister (1883)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 280 (1880) [tr. Wister (1883)]

Dave — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:19:13 +0000

So soon as a fashion is universal, it is out of date.

[Sobald eine Mode allgemein geworden ist, hat sie sich überlebt.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 280 (1880) [tr. Wister (1883)]
(Source)

(Source (German)). Other translation:

As soon as fashion has caught on, it has outlived itself.
[tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 283 (1880) [tr. Wister (1883)]

Dave — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:38:29 +0000

It is bad when a married pair bore each other, but far worse when only one of them bores the other.

[Es ist schlimm, wenn zwei Eheleute einander langweilen, viel schlimmer jedoch ist es, wenn nur Einer von ihnen den Andern langweilt.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 283 (1880) [tr. Wister (1883)]
(Source)

(Source (German)). Another translation:

It's bad enough when married people bore one another; but it's far worse when only one of them bores the other.
[tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 293 (1880) [tr. Wister (1883)]

Dave — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 21:58:12 +0000

Of what value is fame, when one cannot enjoy posthumous fame?

[Was liegt am Ruhm, da man den Nachruhm nicht erleben kann?]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 293 (1880) [tr. Wister (1883)]
(Source)

(Source (German)).

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 412 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Dave — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:25:44 +0000

Remorse drives the weak to despair and the strong to sainthood.

[Die Reue treibt den Schwachen zur Verzweiflung und macht den Starken zum Heiligen.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 412 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

(Source (German))

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 528 (1880) [tr. Scrase & Mieder (1994)]

Dave — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:13:43 +0000

There are very few honest friends — the demand is not particularly great.

[Es gibt wenig aufrichtige Freunde. Die Nachfrage ist auch gering.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 528 (1880) [tr. Scrase & Mieder (1994)]
(Source)

(Source (German))

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 534 (1880)

Dave — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 22:26:44 +0000

As far as your self-control goes, as far goes your freedom.

[So weit Deine Selbstbeherrschung geht, so weit geht Deine Freiheit.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 534 (1880)
(Source)

(Source (German)). Another translation:

Freedom stretches as far as your self-control.
[tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 548 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]

Dave — Wed, 04 May 2011 14:14:41 +0000

Distrust your judgment the moment you can discern the shadow of a personal motive in it.

[Mißtraue deinem Urteil, sobald du darin den Schatten eines persönlichen Motivs entdecken kannst.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms [Aphorismen], No. 548 (1880) [tr. Scrase/Mieder (1994)]
(Source)

(Source (German))

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms (1890-1905) [tr. Scrase & MIeder (1994)]

Dave — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 12:13:30 +0000

I regret nothing, says arrogance; I will regret nothing, says inexperience.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms (1890-1905) [tr. Scrase & MIeder (1994)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms (1905)

Dave — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 14:11:53 +0000

Fear not those who argue but those who dodge.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms (1905)

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms (1905)

Dave — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 13:46:17 +0000

We are so vain that we even care for the opinion of those we don’t care for.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms (1905)

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms (1905) [tr. Scrase & Mieder (1994)]

Dave — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:00:46 +0000

Much less evil would be done on earth if evil could not be done in the name of good.

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms (1905) [tr. Scrase & Mieder (1994)]

Ebner-Eschenbach, Marie von -- Aphorisms, #67 (1880)

Dave — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 22:48:28 +0000

Even a stopped clock is right twice every day. After some years, it can boast of a long series of successes.

[Die still stehende Uhr, die täglich zwei Mal die richtige Zeit angezeigt hat, blickt nach Jahren auf eine lange Reihe von Erfolgen zurück.]

Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach (1830–1916) Austrian writer
Aphorisms, #67 (1880)
(Source)