He who will establish himself on a certain height must yield according to circumstances, like the weather-cock on a church-spire, which, though it be… - Heinrich Heine

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He who will establish himself on a certain height must yield according to circumstances, like the weather-cock on a church-spire, which, though it be made of iron, would soon be broken by the storm-wind if it remained obstinately immovable, and did not understand the noble art of turning to every wind. But a great man will never so far contradict his own feelings as to see, or, it may be, increase, with cold-blooded indifference, the misfortunes of his fellow country-men.

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About Heinrich Heine

Christian Johann Heinrich Heine (December 13, 1797 – February 17, 1856) was a journalist, an essayist, and one of the most significant German romantic poets. Jewish by birth, he converted to Lutheran Christianity as an adult.

Biography information from Wikiquote

Also Known As

Alternative Names: Christian Johann Heinrich Heine Christian Heine Christian Johann Heinrich "Harry" Heine Heine
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Shorter versions of this quote

The weather-cock on the church spire, though made of iron, would soon be broken by the storm-wind if it did not understand the noble art of turning to every wind.

Additional quotes by Heinrich Heine

Ordinary he was insane, But he had lucid moments when he was merely Stupid.

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