Friedrich Schiller Quotes

Virtue has her heroes too
As well as Fame and Fortune.

life is earnest, art is gay

In circumstances where the law of force prevails, where security depends on power alone, the weakest party is naturally the most busy to place itself in a posture of defense.

Hard is this art, its praise is transitory;
For mimes, posterity entwines no garlands.
Therefore they must be greedy of the present
And fill the moment which is theirs, completely . . .

Man is created free, and is free,
Though he be born in chains.

Das Leben ist Nur ein Moment, der Tod ist auch nur einer!

They have founded the whole structure of their happiness on these very illusions, which ought to be combated and dissipated by the light of knowledge, and they would think they were paying too dearly for a truth which begins by robbing them of all that has value in their sight. It would be necessary that they should be already sages to love wisdom: a truth that was felt at once by him to whom philosophy owes its name.

My son, there's nothing insignificant,
Nothing! But yet in every earthly thing
First and most principal is place and time.

Even the strongest minds cannot, with impunity, defy the prejudices of the age.

I have only an office here, and no opinion.

Mit der Dummheit kämpfen die Götter selbst vergebens.
English: Against stupidity the Gods themselves contend in vain.

The man of courage thinks not of himself. Help the oppressed and put thy trust in God.

The greater part of humanity is too much harassed and fatigued by the struggle with want to rally itself for a new and sterner struggle.

Bow before Him, all creation!
Mortals, own the God of love!
Seek Him high the stars above,—
Yonder is His habitation!

In thy breast are the stars of thy fate.