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Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quotes

1749–1832 Germany

Germany
Academics
Autobiographers
Novelists
Philosophers

Also known as: Goethe, Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, J. W. von Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, Von Goethe

Random Johann Wolfgang von Goethe quote

319 quotes

He who does not stretch himself according to the coverlet finds his feet uncovered.

He who does not think too much of himself is much more esteemed than he imagines.

Scientific knowledge helps us mainly because it makes the wonder to which we are called by nature rather more intelligible.

Maxims and Reflections (1833)

It is one of Heaven's best gifts to hold such a dear creature in one's arms.

My inheritance, how wide and fair
Time is my estate; to Time I'm heir.

And future deeds crowded round us as the countless stars in the night.

The mortal race is far too weak not to grow dizzy on unwonted heights.

To blow is not to play on the flute; you must move the fingers.

He who is ignorant of foreign languages, knows not his own.

I make presents to the mother, but think of the daughter.

I can promise to be upright, but not to be without bias.

Where there is much light, the shadows are deepest.

For a strolling damsel a doubtful reputation bears.

No sacred fane requires us to submit to insult.

Merely to breathe freely does not mean to live.

Modern poets mix too much water with their ink.

Thou speakest a word of great moment calmly.

The coward only threatens when he is safe.

The rabble also vent their rage in words.

For to give is the business of the rich.

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.