I never believed in trying to do anything. Whatever I set out to do I found I had already accomplished. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe More Quotes by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe More Quotes From Johann Wolfgang von Goethe A leaf that is destined to grow large is full of grooves and wrinkles at the start. Now if one has no patience and wants it smooth offhand like a willow leaf, there is trouble ahead. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrinkles encouragement patience In politics as on a sickbed men toss from side to side in hope of lying more comfortably. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe political men lying Our modern wars make many unhappy while they last and none happy when they are over. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe politics unhappy war Napoleon for the sake of a good name broke in pieces half the world. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe pieces power names Treat a person as they are, they will remain so. Treat a person the way that person can be and is capable of being and that person will become as he or she can be and should be. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe should relationship way God could cause us considerable embarrassment by revealing all the secrets of nature to us: we should not know what to do for sheer apathy and boredom. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe keeping-secrets boredom science Truth is a torch but a tremendous one. That is why we hurry past it, shielding our eyes, indeed, in fear of getting burned. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe truth fear lying The soul of the Christian religion is reverence. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe soul worship christian Ye great teachers: listen to what you say! Johann Wolfgang von Goethe great-teacher teacher No one should be rich except those who understand it. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe rich wealth understanding The dear good people don't know how long it takes to learn to read. I've been at it eighty years, and can't say yet that I've reached the goal. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe book people years Time does not relinquish its rights, either over human beings or over mountains. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe rights time philosophy I look upon all four Gospels as thoroughly genuine, for there shines forth from them the reflected splendor of a sublimity proceeding from Jesus Christ. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe shining bible jesus I am certain that I have been here as I am now a thousand times before, and I hope to return a thousand times. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe reincarnation return certain Habit is a man's sole comfort. We dislike doing without even unpleasant things to which we have become accustomed. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe healthy-habits comfort men One must keep repeating the Truth. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe truth Who never ate his bread in sorrow, Who never spent the darksome hours Weeping, and watching for the morrow,- He knows you not, ye heavenly Powers. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe hours sorrow bread Then to the depths! - I could as well say height: It's all the same. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe height depth inspirational Giving is the business of the rich. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe rich generosity giving Human life-everybody lives it, but only to a few is it known. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe human-life humans life