Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quotes

Truth is contrary to our nature, not so error, and this for a very simple reason; truth demands that we should recognize ourselves as limited, error flatters us that, in one way or another, we are unlimited.

Die Wahrheit widerspricht unserer Natur, der Irrthum nicht, und zwar aus einem sehr einfachen Grunde: die Wahrheit fordert, daß wir uns für beschränkt erkennen follen, der Irrthum schmeichelt uns. wir seien auf ein- oder die andere Weise unbegränzt.

Among all peoples, the Greeks have dreamt life's dream most beautifully.

Unter allen Völkerschaften haben die Griechen den Traum des Lebens am schönsten geträumt.

You really only know when you know little. Doubt grows with knowledge.

You often say to yourself in the course of your life that you ought to avoid having too much business, 'polypragmosyne' [incessant activity], and, more especially, that the older you get, the more you ought to avoid entering on new business. But it's all very well saying this, and giving yourself andothers good advice. The very fact of growing older means taking up a new business; all our circumstances change, and we must either stop doing anything at all or else willing and consciously take on the new role we have to play on life's stage.

It is the most foolish of all errors for young people of good intelligence to imagine that they will forfeit their originality if they acknowledge truth already acknowledged by others.

Der thörigste von allen Irrthümern ist, wenn junge gute Köpfe glauben, ihre Originalität zu verlieren, indem sie das Wahre anerkennen, was von andern schon anerkannt worden.

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.

The person engaged in action is always unconscionable; no one except the contemplative has a conscience.

Der Handelnde ist immer gewissenlos; es hat niemand Gewissen als der Betrachtende.

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

Man darf nur alt werden, um milder zu sein; ich sehe keinen Fehler begehen, den ich nicht auch begangen hätte.

Mysteries do not as yet amount to miracles.

The world is a bell that is cracked: it clatters, but does not ring out clearly.