Anecdotes and maxims are rich treasures to the man of the world, for he knows how to introduce the former at fit place in conversation. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe More Quotes by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe More Quotes From Johann Wolfgang von Goethe All lyrical work must, as a whole, be perfectly intelligible, but in some particulars a little unintelligible. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe lyrical poetry littles Originality provokes originality. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe provoking originality Prudent and active men, who know their strength and use it with limit and circumspection, alone go far in the affairs of the world. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe limits use men The force of a language does not consist of rejecting what is foreign but of swallowing it. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe swallowing language doe Every situation--nay, every moment--is of infinite worth; for it is the representative of a whole eternity. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe inspirational philosophy art Sound and sufficient reason falls, after all, to the share of but few men, and those few men exert their influence in silence. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe silence men fall No one as ever completed their apprenticeship. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe apprenticeship experience learning The world is so full of simpletons and madmen, that one need not seek them in a madhouse. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe stupidity world needs Time flies, and what is past is done. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe time-flies done past Kindness is the golden thread that holds society together. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe golden together kindness Unrest and uncertainty are our lot. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe uncertainty unrest We are forced to participate in the games of life before we can possibly learn how to use the options in the rules governing them. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe governing use games It is a maxim of wise government to treat people not as they should be but as they actually are. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe government wise people It is always a sign of an unproductive time when it concerns itself with petty and technical aspects [in philology], and likewiseit is a sign of an unproductive person to pursue such trifles. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe trifles concern aspect No prudent antagonist thinks light of his adversaries. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe light enemy thinking The true poet is called to take in the splendor of the world and for that reason will always be inclined to praise rather than tofind fault. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe faults poetry world Individuality of expression is the beginning and end of all art. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe new-beginnings work art I always seek the good that is in people and leave the bad to Him who made mankind and knows how to round off the corners. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe mankind made people I am proud of my heart alone, it is the sole source of everything, all our strenght, happiness & misery. All the knowledge I possess everyone else can acquire, but my heart is all my own Johann Wolfgang von Goethe strenght proud heart Those who hope for no other life are dead even for this. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe anticipation hope life