No one would talk much in society if they knew how often they misunderstood others. 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 wisdomsoftballlife 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 wiredancerwish 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 racefearmean The dangers of life are infinite, and among them is safety. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe safetygreatnessrisk Being brilliant is no great feat if you respect nothing. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe respectliteratureattitude Life is the childhood of our immortality. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe childhoodgodlylife 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 perseverancebusinessleadership People of uncommon abilities generally fall into eccentricities when their sphere of life is not adequate to their abilities. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe lifepeoplefall 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 takenlifemoving You accuse a woman of wavering affections, but don't blame her; she is just looking for a consistent man. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe waveringconsistencymen Misunderstandings and neglect occasion more mischief in the world than malice and wickedness. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wickednessneglectworld 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 dressesjoymorning 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 strongreadingbook Patriotism corrupts history. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe politics We must be young to do great things. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe great-thingsyouthyoung 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 adversitymotivationalinspirational Common sense is the genius of humanity. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe common-sensehumanitymeaningful 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 writingmotivationalmen Talent develops in quiet, alone; character is sharpened in the torrent of the world. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe quietcharacterworld
