Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quotes

I know a little of navigation: / War, trade, and piracy, allow, / As three in one, no separation.

Of freedom and of life he only is deserving
Who every day must conquer them anew.

A really great talent finds its happiness in execution.

Certain flaws are necessary for the whole. It would seem strange if old friends lacked certain quirks.

Do you wish to roam farther and farther?
See the good that lies so near.
Just learn how to capture your luck,
for your luck is always there.

Where the light is brightest, the shadows are deepest.

You've only got to grow old to be more lenient; I see no fault committed of which I too haven't been guilty.

"If you inquire what the people are like here, I must answer, "The same as everywhere." The human race is but a monotonous affair. Most of them labour the greater part of their time for mere subsistence; and the scanty portion of freedom which remains to them so troubles them that they use every exertion to get rid of it. Oh, the destiny of man!"

If you've never eaten while crying you don t know what life tastes like.

It is as certain as it is marvelous that truth and error come from one source. Therefore one often may not injure error, because at the same time one injures truth.

Just as, out of habit, one consults a run-down clock as though it were still going, so too one may look at the face of a beautiful woman as though she were still in love.

One never goes so far as when one doesn't know where one is going.

from desire I rush to satisfaction; from satisfaction I leap to desire.

Think of you! I do not think of you; you are always before my soul.

He alone is great and happy who fills his own station of independence, and has neither to command nor to obey.