Man's highest merit always is, as much as possible, to rule external circumstances and as little as possible to let himself be ruled by them. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe More Quotes by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe More Quotes From Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Our friends show us what we can do; our enemies teach us what we must do. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe friendshippeaceenemy What is hardest of all? That which seems most simple: to see with your eyes what is before your eyes. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe hardesteyesimple Rest not. Life is sweeping by; go and dare before you die. Something mighty and sublime, leave behind to conquer time. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe timeinspirationallife A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe beautifulbeautyart There are two things parents should give their children roots and wings. Roots to give them bearing and a sense of belonging, but also wings to help free them from constraints and prejudices and give them other ways to travel (or rather, to fly). Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wingstwochildren What is important in life is life, and not the result of life. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe contentmentimportantlife He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe being-happyhappinesspeace Divide and rule, the politician cries; unite and lead, is watchword of the wise. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wisdomliteraturewise Man can find no better retreat from the world than art, and man can find no stronger link with the world than art. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe hipstermenart The more one knows, the more one comprehends, the more one realizes that everything turns in a circle. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe turnsrealizingcircles Wisdom is found only in truth. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wisdomtruthfound By seeking and blundering we learn. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe learningmistakeeducation Very few people love others for what they are; rather, they love what they lend them, their own selves, their own idea of them. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe selfpeopleideas Few people have the imagination for reality. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe inspirationrealitypeople The soul that sees beauty may sometimes walk alone. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe lonelinessbeautylove For a brave man deserves a well-endowed girl. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe girlbravemen The important thing in life is to have a great aim, and the determination to attain it. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe things-in-lifedeterminationmotivational Our passions are the true phoenixes; when the old one is burnt out, a new one rises from its ashes. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe phoenixashespassion Everything is both simpler than we can imagine and more entangled than we can conceive. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe simple-lifeimagineimagination The best government is that which teaches us to govern ourselves. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe freedomgovernmenthistory
