Superstition is a part of the very being of humanity; and when we fancy that we are banishing it altogether, it takes refuge in the strangest nooks and corners, and then suddenly comes forth again, as soon as it believes itself at all safe. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe More Quotes by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe More Quotes From Johann Wolfgang von Goethe The sum which two married people owe to one another defies calculation. It is an infinite debt, which can only be discharged through all eternity. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe marriage anniversary love We see only what we know. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe belief knows science People have a peculiar pleasure in making converts, that is, in causing others to enjoy what they enjoy, thus finding their own likeness represented and reflected back to them. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe spirituality peculiar people Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe clever witty life He who wishes to exert a useful influence must be careful to insult nothing. Let him not be troubled by what seems absurd, but concentrate his energies to the creation of what is good. He must not demolish, but build. He must raise temples where mankind may come and partake of the purest pleasure. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe energy wish may God help us -- for art is long, and life so short. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe helping long art We are so constituted that we believe the most incredible things; and, once they are engraved upon the memory, woe to him who would endeavor to erase them. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe atheism memories believe You must be either the servant or the master, the hammer or the anvil. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe anvils hammers masters I hate all explanations; they who make them deceive either themselves or the other party,-generally both. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe deceit party hate Higher aims are in themselves more valuable, even if unfulfilled, than lower ones quite attained. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe aim valuable higher Were the eye not of the sun, How could we behold the light? If God's might and ours were not as one, How could His work enchant our sight? Johann Wolfgang von Goethe light eye sight The most original of authors are not so because they advance what is new, but more because they know how to say something, as if it had never been said before. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe originality said writing A man is not little when he finds it difficult to cope with circumstances, but when circumstances overmaster him. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe difficult littles men This is the true measure of love, When we believe that we alone can love, That no one could ever have loved so before us, And that no one will ever love in the same way after us. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe love romantic friendship Human life runs its course in the metamorphosis between receiving and giving. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe receiving running giving Nothing is more terrible than to see ignorance in action. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ignorant ignorance literature One never goes further than when they do not know where they are going. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe knows Never by reflection, but only by doing is self- knowledge possible to one. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe acceptance reflection knowledge That is the way of youth and life in general: that we do not understand the strategy until after the campaign is over. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe campaigns life way The decline of literature indicates the decline of a nation. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe decline reading literature
