Source: Die Leiden des jungen Werther - Band I
Filter quotes by topic
Famous Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quotes
“Life belongs to the living, and he who lives must be prepared for changes.”
Source: Conversations of German Refugees ; Wilhelm Meister's Journeyman Years, Or, The Renunciants
“Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen.”
“Correction does much, but encouragement does more.”
Source: Goethe's Opinions on the World, Mankind, Literature, Science, and Art
“Nothing shows a man's character more than what he laughs at.”
“There is nothing in which people more betray their character than in what they laugh at.”
Source: Elective Affinities
“Plunge boldly into the thick of life, and seize it where you will, it is always interesting.”
“Men show their character in nothing more clearly than what they think laughable.”
“Every author in some way portrays himself in his works, even if it be against his will.”
“Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.”
“The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving.”
“People who think honestly and deeply have a hostile attitude towards the public.”
Source: Conversations of Goethe with Johann Peter Eckermann
“Keep not standing fixed and rooted. Briskly venture, briskly roam.”
Source: Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship and Travels: From the German...
“What we agree with leaves us inactive, but contradiction makes us productive.”
Source: Conversations of Goethe with Johann Peter Eckermann
“Everyone is deceived in his hopes, cheated in his expectations.”
“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”
“One mind is enough for a thousand hands.”
Source: Faust
“Who is sure of their own motives can in confidence advance or retreat.”
“To accept good advice is but to increase one's own ability.”