The bad thing is that thinking about thought doesn't help at all; one has to have it from nature so that the good ideas appear before us like free children of God calling to us: Here we are. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe More Quotes by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe More Quotes From Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Legislators and revolutionaries who promise both equality and liberty are visionaries and charlatans. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe liberty political promise I am part of the part that once was everything, Part of the darkness which gave birth to light… Mephistopheles, from Faust. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe birth light darkness If a man knows where to get good advice, it is as though he could supply it himself. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe knows advice men Before you can do something, you must first be something. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe spiritual inspirational firsts Here too it’s masquerade, I find: As everywhere, the dance of mind. I grasped a lovely masked procession, And caught things from a horror show… I’d gladly settle for a false impression, If it would last a little longer, though. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe lovely mind littles He who does not see the whole world in his friends, does not deserve that the world should hear of him. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe new-friendship real doe Miracle is the pet child of faith. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe miracle pet children Sameness leaves us in peace but it is contradiction that makes us productive. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe sameness productivity contradiction Whoever wishes to keep a secret must hide the fact that he possesses one. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe keeping-secrets kept-secrets wish The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe inspirational love life It is a great pleasure to transport one's-self into the spirit of the times; to see how a wise man has thought before us, and to what a glorious height we have at last carried it. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wise inspirational past Reason can never be popular. Passions and feelings may become popular, but reason will always remain the sole property of a few eminent individuals. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe passion feelings may Look closely at those who patronize you. Half are unfeeling, half untaught. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe flattery half looks Those that are firm in their will mold the world to themselves. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe willpower mold world Correction does much, but encouragement does more. Encouragement after censure is as the sun after a shower. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe encouragement hope appreciation One alone does not help, but rather he who unites with many at the right moment. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe moments doe helping Riches amassed in haste will diminish; but those collected by hand and little by little will multiply. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe haste littles hands When young, one is confident to be able to build palaces for mankind, but when the time comes one has one's hands full just to be able to remove their trash. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe palaces able hands We love a girl for very different qualities than understanding. We love her for her beauty, her youth, her mirth, her confidingness, her character, with its faults, caprices and God knows what other inexpressible charms; but we do not love her understanding. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe girl understanding character Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one's thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe motivational life thinking