It is easier to perceive error than to find truth, for the former lies on the surface and is easily seen, while the latter lies in the depth, where few are willing to search for it. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe More Quotes by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe More Quotes From Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Mannerism always wants to be finished and doesn't enjoy the process. Genuine, truly great talent, however, finds its greatest satisfaction in the production. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe talent satisfaction want Character - in things great and small - is indicated when a man (or person) pursues with sustained follow-through what he feels himself capable of doing. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe follow-through character men Just begin and the mind grows heated; continue, and the task will be completed! Johann Wolfgang von Goethe tasks mind motivational An angel! Nonsense! Everybody so describes his mistress; and yet I find it impossible to tell you how perfect she is, or why she is so perfect: suffice it to say she has captivated all my senses. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe mistress angel perfect We must not take the faults of our youth with us into old age, for age brings along its own defects. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe faults age time The whole history of the Christian Church is a mixture of errors and violence. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe errors atheist christian Judge a man's character by what he finds ridiculous. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe judging character men The master proves himselin recognizing his limitations. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe prove masters men Give shape, artist! don't talk! Johann Wolfgang von Goethe poetry giving art Oh happy he who still can hope in our day to breathe the truth while plunged in seas of error! What we don't know is really what we need, and what we know is of no use to us whatever! Johann Wolfgang von Goethe errors sea needs Napoleon affords us an example of the danger of elevating one's self to the absolute, and sacrificing everything to the carrying out of an idea. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe sacrificing-everything sacrifice acceptance If you inquire what people are like here, I must answer, "The same as everywhere." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ifs answers people My counsel is, to force nothing, and rather to trifle and sleep away all unproductive days and hours, than on such days to compose something that will afterwards give no pleasure. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe sleep writing giving Stood I, O Nature! man alone in thee, Then were it worth one's while a man to be. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe thee men Rash combat oft immortalizes man; if he should fall, he is renowned in song; but after-ages reckon not the ceaseless tears which the forsaken woman sheds. Poets tell us not of the many nights consumed in weeping, or of the dreary days wherein her anguished soul vainly yearns to call her loved one back. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe song night fall People always fancy that we must become old to become wise; but, in truth, as years advance, it is hard to keep ourselves as wise as we were. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wise people years Method will teach you to win time. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe method winning order How to please the public - that's the test, But nowadays I find I'm in a fix; I know they're not accustomed to the best, But they've all read so much they know the tricks. How can we give then something fresh and new That's serious, but entertaining too? Johann Wolfgang von Goethe tests serious giving Sin writes histories, goodness is silent. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe sin writing history All lyrical work must, as a whole, be perfectly intelligible, but in some particulars a little unintelligible. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe lyrical poetry littles