When I err every one can see it, but not when I lie. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe More Quotes by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe More Quotes From Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Everything we do has a result. But that which is right and prudent does not always lead to good, nor the contrary to what is bad. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe prudent results doe Austere perseverance, hash and continuous... rarely fails of its purpose, for its silent power grows irresistible greater with time. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe perseverance purpose power In all our academies we attempt far too much. ... In earlier times lectures were delivered upon chemistry and botany as branches of medicine, and the medical student learned enough of them. Now, however, chemistry and botany are become sciences of themselves, incapable of comprehension by a hasty survey, and each demanding the study of a whole life, yet we expect the medical student to understand them. He who is prudent, accordingly declines all distracting claims upon his time, and limits himself to a single branch and becomes expert in one thing. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe medicine education science Science has been seriously retarded by the study of what is not worth knowing and of what is not knowable. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe study knowing science It seems to me that every phenomenon, every fact, itself is the really interesting object. Whoever explains it, or connects it with other events, usually only amuses himself or makes sport of us, as, for instance, the naturalist or historian. But a single action or event is interesting, not because it is explainable, but because it is true. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe sports science interesting There is no permanence in doubt; it incites the mind to closer inquiry and experiment, from which, if rightly managed, certainty proceeds, and in this alone can man find thorough satisfaction. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe doubt men science Whether one show one's self a man of genius in science or compose a song, the only point is, whether the thought, the discovery, the deed, is living and can live on. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe song men science Nature does not suffer her veil to be taken from her, and what she does not choose to reveal to the spirit, thou wilt not wrest from her by levers and screws. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe nature taken science Mathematics can remove no prejudices and soften no obduracy. It has no influence in sweetening the bitter strife of parties, and in the moral world generally its action is perfectly null. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe null prejudice party The philosophers must station themselves in the middle. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe stations philosopher middle The field of experience is the whole universe in all directions. Theory remains shut up within the limits of human faculties. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe experience limits fields The greatest act of faith takes place when a man finally decides that he is not God. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe atheism men religion Beauty is a primeval phenomenon, which itself never makes its appearance, but the reflection of which is visible in a thousand different utterances of the creative mind, and is as various as nature herself. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe nature reflection beauty Over all the mountain tops is peace. In all treetops you perceive scarcely a breath. The little birds in the forest are silent. Wait then; soon, you too, will have peace. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe meditation bird peace Not art and science only, but patience will be required for the work. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe art-and-science science art If we meet someone who owes us a debt of gratitude, we remember the fact at once. How often we can meet someone to whom we owe a debt of gratitude without thinking about it at all! Johann Wolfgang von Goethe debt gratitude thinking If man thinks about his physical or moral state he usually discovers that he is ill. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe health men thinking To quit smoking, you must first want to quit, but then you must also do the quitting Johann Wolfgang von Goethe encouragement smoking want Self-love exaggerates our faults as well as our virtues. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe faults self love The person of analytic or critical intellect finds something ridiculous in everything. The person of synthetic or constructive intellect, in almost nothing. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe synthetic ridiculous criticism
