Goethe, Johann von -- The Sorrows of Young Werther, Book 1, “August 15” (1774) [tr. Boylan]

Dave — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 15:28:40 +0000

The first impression is readily received. We are so constituted that we believe the most incredible things; and, once they are engraved upon the memory, woe to him who would endeavor to efface them.

[Der erste Eindruck findet uns willig, und der Mensch ist gemacht, daß man ihn das Abenteuerlichste überreden kann; das haftet aber auch gleich so fest, und wehe dem, der es wieder auskratzen und austilgen will!]

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, statesman, scientist
The Sorrows of Young Werther, Book 1, “August 15” (1774) [tr. Boylan]
(Source)

Alt. trans.:

"... woe to him who would endeavor to erase them!" [tr. Lange, Ryan]
"The first impression finds us receptive, and man is so made that he can be persuaded by the most outlandish things; but it strikes root so immediately that woe to him who tries to scratch it out and eradicate it!" [tr. Pike (2004)]
Original German.

~Other -- S. C. Lourie

Dave — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 18:31:11 +0000

Just for the record, darling, not all positive change feels positive in the beginning.

(Other Authors and Sources)
S. C. Lourie

WIST Quotations

Goethe, Johann von -- The Sorrows of Young Werther, Book 1, “August 15” (1774) [tr. Boylan]

~Other -- S. C. Lourie