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Quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“Man muß alt werden [...] und Geld genug haben, seine Erfahrungen bezahlen zu können. Jedes Bonmot, das ich sage, kostet mir eine Börse voll Gold; eine halbe Million meines Privatvermögens ist durch meine Hände gegangen, um das zu lernen, was ich jetzt weiß, nicht allein das ganze Vermögen meines Vaters, sondern auch mein Gehalt und mein bedeutendes literarisches Einkommen seit mehr als funfzig Jahren. Außerdem habe ich anderthalb Millionen zu großen Zwecken von fürstlichen Personen ausgeben sehen, denen ich nahe verbunden war und an deren Schritten, Gelingen und Mißlingen ich teilnahm. Es ist nicht genug, daß man Talent habe, es gehört mehr dazu, um gescheit zu werden; man muß auch in großen Verhältnissen leben und Gelegenheit haben, den spielenden Figuren der Zeit in die Karten zu sehen und selber zu Gewinn und Verlust mitzuspielen.”

Quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Book:J. P. Eckermann Gespräche mit Goethe in den Letzten Jahren Seines Lebens
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J. P. Eckermann Gespräche mit Goethe in den Letzten Jahren Seines Lebens

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Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, born on August 28, 1749, and died on March 22, 1832, was a prominent German writer, thinker, and scientist. He is one of the greatest writers in German literary history and his works have had a profound impact on the world. His most famous works include 'Faust' and 'The Sorrows of Young Werther'. more

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