Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Find the best quotes, maxims and aphorisms of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Biography : German writer and statesman.
Born: 1749 - Died: 1832
Period:
19th century
18th century
Place of birth: Germany
Germany

Germany

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Quotes

In all things it is better to hope than to despair.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Torquato Tasso /

hope

In all things it is better to hope than to despair.

As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Faust: A Tragedy /

As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.

To do good needs no consideration.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Iphigenia in Tauris /

good

We know accurately only when we know little; with knowledge, doubt increases.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Maxims and Reflections /

We know accurately only when we know little; with knowledge, doubt increases.

Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Willing is not enough; we must do.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe /

Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Willing is not enough; we must do.

People grow old indeed, but who grows wise?
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Faust: A Tragedy /

wisdom

People grow old indeed, but who grows wise?

Background photo by Jennifer Latuperisa-Andresen on Unsplash

The aim of living is Life itself.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe /

life

...and nobody knows the extent of his strength until he has tried.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe /

strength

It is not enough to take steps, which may someday lead to a goal; each step must be itself a goal and a step likewise.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe /

All theory, dear friend, is gray, but the golden tree of life springs ever green,
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Faust: A Tragedy /

All theory, dear friend, is gray, but the golden tree of life springs ever green,

Background photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

This is the highest wisdom that I own; freedom and life are earned by those alone who conquer them each day anew.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Faust: A Tragedy /

Tolerance should really only be a passing attitude: it should lead to appreciation. To tolerate is to offend.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Maxims and Reflections /

tolerance

The right man is the one who seizes the moment.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Faust: A Tragedy /

Man

Each one sees what he carries in his heart.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Faust: A Tragedy /

heart

If you want a wise answer, ask a reasonable question.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe /

question

Be humanity evermore our goal.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe /

Every attraction is reciprocal.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe /

Where there is much light, the shadow is deep.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Götz von Berlichingen /

He only earns his freedom and his life Who takes them every day by storm.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe /

One never goes so far as when one no longer knows where one is going.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Maxims and Reflections /

I nothing had, and yet enough for youth -
Joy in Illusion, ardent thirst for Truth.
Give unrestrained, the old emotion,
The bliss that touched the verge of pain,
The strength of Hate, Love's deep devotion, -
O, give me back my youth again!
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Faust: A Tragedy /

Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe /

help

It is a great error to take oneself for more than one is, or for less than one is worth.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe /

Sowing is not so hard as reaping.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe /

work

How shall we learn to know ourselves? By reflection? Never; but only through action.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe /

Science and art belong to the whole world, and before them vanish the barriers of nationality.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe /

To act is easy, to think is hard; to act according to our thought is troublesome.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe /

There my life began when I loved you.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Iphigenia in Tauris /

And days together stand I on the shore,
Seeking, in my soul, the land of Greece.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Iphigenia in Tauris /

soul

Nothing shows a man's character more than what he laughs at.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Maxims and Reflections /

character

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