Quotes by Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (28 August 1749 - 22 March 1832), commonly known as "Goethe", was a German poet, novelist, philosopher, and scientist who is considered one of the giants of the literary world. In addition, aside from being lawyer and known also as a dramatist, humanist, theorist, and painter, he is also one of few individuals considered to have been a polymath. For ten years, he was chief minister of state for the duchy of Weimar. In 1782 he was ennobled as 'von Goethe'. In his 1809 masterpiece Elective Affinities, he became one of the first to speculate on the nature of interpersonal chemistry. Goethe was one of the key figures of German literature and the movement of Weimar Classicism in the late 18th and early 19th centuries; this movement coincides with Enlightenment, Sentimentality ("Empfindsamkeit"), Sturm und Drang, and Romanticism. The author of Faust and Theory of Colours, he influenced Darwin with his focus on plant morphology. Goethe's influence spread across Europe, and for the next century his works were a primary source of inspiration in music, drama, poetry, and philosophy. He is widely considered to be one of the most important thinkers in Western culture. · Can we improve this biography or this incorrect? Post your own bio in the forums.
"He who is plenteously provided for from within, needs but little from without."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on abundance
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"The greatest difficulties lie where we are not looking for them."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on adversity
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"Age does not make us childish, as some say; it finds us true children."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on age and aging
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"The older we get the more we must limit ourselves if we wish to be active."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on age and aging
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"Unlike grown ups, children have little need to deceive themselves."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on deception
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"We are never deceived; we deceive ourselves."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on deception
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"Ambition and love are the wings to great deeds."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on deeds and good deeds
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"Deny yourself! You must deny yourself! That is the song that never ends."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on denial
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"While man's desires and aspirations stir he cannot choose but err."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on desire
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"I know nothing more mocking than a devil that despairs."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on evil
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"It is only in misery that we recognize the hand of God leading good men to good."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on direction
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"Doubt can only be removed by action."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on doubt
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"I will listen to anyone's convictions, but pray keep your doubts to yourself."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on doubt
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"We know accurately only when we know little, with knowledge doubt increases."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on doubt
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"Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on dream
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"They teach in academies far too many things, and far too much that is useless."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on education
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"He who does not think much of himself is much more esteemed than he imagines."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on egotism
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"Mastery passes often for egotism."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on egotism
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"All the knowledge I possess everyone else can acquire, but my heart is all my own."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on emotions
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"No prudent antagonist thinks light of his adversaries."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on enemies
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"He who enjoys doing and enjoys what he has done is happy."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on joy
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"Excellence is rarely found, more rarely valued."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on excellence
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"What life half gives a man, posterity gives entirely."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on fame
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"If you modestly enjoy your fame you are not unworthy to rank with the holy."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on fame
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"Sowing is not as difficult as reaping."
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von on farming and farmers
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