6 quotes
Reason can no longer restrain one who is lured by the fury of ambition.
Reflections of a Youth on Choosing an Occupation (1835)
Only that position can impart dignity in which we do not appear as servile tools but rather create independently within our circle.
Reflections of a Youth on Choosing an Occupation (1835)
We cannot always choose the vocation to which we believe we are called. Our social relations, to some extent, have already begun to form before we are in a position to determine them.
Reflections of a Youth on Choosing an Occupation (1835)
When we have weighed everything, and when our relations in life permit us to choose any given position, we may take that one which guarantees us the greatest dignity, which is based on ideas of whose truth we are completely convinced, which offers the largest field to work for mankind and approach the universal goal for which every position is only a means: perfection.
Reflections of a Youth on Choosing an Occupation (1835)
Everything great glitters, glitter begets ambition, and ambition can easily have caused the inspiration or what we thought to be inspiration. But reason can no longer restrain one who is lured by the fury of ambition. He tumbles where his vehement drive calls him; no longer does he choose his position, but rather chance and luster determine it.
Reflections of a Youth on Choosing an Occupation (1835)
When we have chosen the vocation in which we can contribute most to humanity, burdens cannot bend us because they are only sacrifices for all. Then we experience no meager, limited, egotistic joy, but our happiness belongs to millions, our deeds live on quietly but eternally effective, and glowing tears of noble men will fall on our ashes.
Reflections of a Youth on Choosing an Occupation (1835)