319 quotes
The Evil One has left, the evil ones remain.
Theory is in itself of no use, except in so far as it makes us believe in the connection of phenomena.
Whoever attacks marriage undermines […] the basis of all moral society.
Elective Affinities (1809)
One says a lot in vain, refusing;
The other mainly hears the "No."
Iphigenie auf Tauris (1787)
One never goes so far as when one doesn't know where one is going.
Love does not dominate, it cultivates. And that is more.
Instruction does much, but encouragement everything.
Alas! sorrow from happiness is oft evolved.
Age childish makes, they say, but 'tis not true;
We're only genuine children still in Age's season.
The person engaged in action is always unconscionable; no one except the contemplative has a conscience.
Maxims and Reflections (1833)
All intelligent thoughts have already been thought;
what is necessary is only to try to think them again.
Wilhelm Meister's Wanderjahre (Journeyman Years) (1821)
Noble be man,
Helpful and good!
For that alone
Sets hims apart
From every other creature
On earth.
What dazzles, for the moment spends its spirit;
What's genuine, shall posterity inherit.
How shall we plan, that all be fresh and new—
Important matter yet attractive too?
All rights and laws are still transmitted,
Like an eternal sickness to the race.
With little wit and ease to suit them,
They whirl in narrow circling trails,
Like kittens playing with their tails.
The world is a bell that is cracked: it clatters, but does not ring out clearly.
Maxims and Reflections (1833)
The words you've bandied are sufficient;
'Tis deeds that I prefer to see.
Which is the best government? That which teaches us to govern ourselves.
While man's desires and aspirations stir,
He can not choose but err.