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 The sun had, in the meanwhile, sunk behind the Ettersberg. We felt in the wood the chill of the evening, and drove all the quicker to Wiemar, and to Goethe's house. Goethe urged me to go in with him for a while, and I did so. He was in an extremely engaging mood. He talked a great deal about his theory of colors, and of his obstinate opponents; remarking that he was sure that he had done something in this science. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe color house death He who knows no foreign languages knows nothing of his own. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe learning knowing inspiration Because everyone uses language to talk, everyone thinks he can talk about language. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe language use thinking You acquire a language most readily in the country where it is spoken; you study mineralogy best among miners; and so with everything else. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe language study country It is only in misery that we recognize the hand of God leading good men to good. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe leadership men hands Only learn to seize good fortune, for good fortune's always here. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe good-fortune learning fortune One would give generous alms if one had the eyes to see the beauty of a cupped receiving hand. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe eye giving hands Out of moderation a pure happiness springs. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe moderation spring happiness All that is noble is in itself of a quiet nature, and appears to sleep until it is aroused and summoned forth by contrast. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe aristocracy noble sleep Men are so constituted that every one undertakes what he sees another successful in, whether he has aptitude for it or not. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe envy success men Nature understands no jesting. She is always true, always serious, always severe. She is always right, and the errors are always those of man. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe errors nature men Taste is only to be educated by contemplation, not of the tolerably good but of the truly excellent. I therefore show you only the best works; and when you are grounded in these, you will have a standard for the rest, which you will know how to value, without overrating them. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe contemplation excellent taste Seldom in the business and transactions of ordinary life, do we find the sympathy we want. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe want ordinary sympathy I know nothing more mocking than a devil that despairs. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe despair devil knows Nature reacts not only to physical disease, but also to moral weakness; when the danger increases; she gives us greater courage Johann Wolfgang von Goethe weakness nature giving I have so much in me, and the feeling for her absorbs it all; I have so much, and without her it all comes to nothing. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe unrequited-love memorable feelings Life is not anything, but an opportunity for something. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe life-is opportunity I have found a paper of mine among some others in which I call architecture 'petrified music.' Really there is something in this; the tone of mind produced by architecture approaches the effect of music. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe tone paper mind He who does not think much of himself is much more esteemed than he imagines. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe imagine doe thinking Help me to discover Thy truth, O Lord, and preserve me from those who have already found it Johann Wolfgang von Goethe help-me lord helping
