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.

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.

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