Misunderstandings and neglect occasion more mischief in the world than malice and wickedness. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe More Quotes by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe More Quotes From Johann Wolfgang von Goethe This is the highest wisdom that I own; freedom and life are earned by those alone who conquer them each day anew. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wisdom softball life I wish the stage were as narrow as the wire of a tighrope dancer so that no incompetent would dare step upon it. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wire dancer wish The human race is a monotonous affair. Most people spend the greatest part of their time working in order to live, and what little freedom remains so fills them with fear that they seek out any and every means to be rid of it. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe race fear mean The dangers of life are infinite, and among them is safety. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe safety greatness risk Being brilliant is no great feat if you respect nothing. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe respect literature attitude Life is the childhood of our immortality. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe childhood godly life To make something you have to be something. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe In the realm of ideas everything depends on enthusiasm... in the real world all rests on perseverance. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe perseverance business leadership People of uncommon abilities generally fall into eccentricities when their sphere of life is not adequate to their abilities. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe life people fall Quite often, as life goes on, when we feel completely secure as we go on our way, we suddenly notice that we are trapped in error, that we have allowed ourselves to be taken in by individuals, by objects, have dreamt up an affinity with them which immediately vanishes before our waking eye; and yet we cannot tear ourselves away, held fast by some power that seems incomprehensible to us. Sometimes, however, we become fully aware and realize that error as well as truth can move and spur us on to action. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe taken life moving You accuse a woman of wavering affections, but don't blame her; she is just looking for a consistent man. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wavering consistency men Take life too seriously, and what is it worth? If the morning wake us to no new joys, if the evening bring us not the hope of new pleasure, is it worthwhile to dress and undress? Johann Wolfgang von Goethe dresses joy morning Every reader, if he has a strong mind, reads himself into the book, and amalgamates his thoughts with those of the author. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe strong reading book Patriotism corrupts history. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe politics We must be young to do great things. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe great-things youth young Against criticism a man can neither protest nor defend himself; he must act in spite of it, and then it will gradually yield to him. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe adversity motivational inspirational Common sense is the genius of humanity. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe common-sense humanity meaningful If any man wish to write in a clear style, let him be first clear in his thoughts; and if any would write in a noble style, let him first possess a noble soul. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe writing motivational men Talent develops in quiet, alone; character is sharpened in the torrent of the world. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe quiet character world True love is love that stays constant for ever, whatever it's fortune; whether requited or scored, filled or sent empty away. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe empty fortune love-is