Quotations by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

Most men, even the most accomplished, are of limited faculties; every one sets a value on certain qualities in himself and others: these alone he is willing to favour, these alone will he have cultivated.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 120

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

I have observed that as long as a man lives and exerts himself he can always find food and raiment, though, it may be, not of the choicest description.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 134

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

No man learns to know his inmost nature by introspection, for he rates himself sometimes too low, and often too high, by his own measurement. Man knows himself only by comparing himself with other men; it is life that touches his genuine worth.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 152

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

Certain books seem to be written, not that we might learn from them, but in order that we might see how much the author knows.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 195

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

We rather confess our moral errors, faults, and crimes than our ignorance.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 198

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

The loss of a much-prized treasure is only half felt when we have not regarded its tenure as secure.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 216

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

We blame equally him who is too proud to put a proper value on his own merit and him who prizes too highly his spurious worth.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 242

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 253

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

How can we learn to know ourselves? By reflection, never, but by our actions. Attempt to do your duty, and you will immediately find what is in you.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 261

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

A day of fortune is like a harvest-day, we must be busy when the corn is ripe.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 276

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

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

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 282

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

Happy the man who early learns the difference between his wishes and his powers.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 293

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

There is nothing more pitiable in the world than an irresolute man vacillating between two feelings, who would willingly unite the two, and who does not perceive that nothing can unite them.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 294

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

Every bird has its decoy, and every man is led and misled in his own peculiar way.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 322

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

Real and solid happiness springs from moderation.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 363

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

We should know mankind better if we were not so anxious to resemble one another.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 369

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

It is not enough to know; we must apply what we know. It is not enough to will; we must also act.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 397

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

The greatest difficulties lie where we are not looking for them.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 425

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

Behaviour is a mirror in which every one shows his image.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 430

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

The old lose one of the greatest privileges of man, for they are no longer judged by their contemporaries.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 439

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

It is only necessary to grow old in order to become more indulgent. I see no fault committed that I have not been myself inclined to.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 464

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

An absent friend gives us friendly company when we are well assured of his happiness.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 496

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

We are accustomed to see men deride what they do not understand, and snarl at the good and beautiful because it lies beyond their sympathies.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 521

Wording recorded in the collection; original language not established.

Talents are best nurtured in solitude; character is best formed in the stormy billows of the world.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe · Book of Wise Sayings · 1893 · n. 575