Beauty is a manifestation of secret natural laws, which otherwise would have been hidden from us forever. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I am more and more convinced that poetry is the universal possession of mankind, revealing itself everywhere and at all times in hundreds and hundreds of men. ... I therefore like to look about me in foreign nations, and advise everyone to do the same. National literature is now a rather unmeaning term; the epoch of world literature is at hand, and everyone must strive to hasten its approach.

But who will dare to speak the truth out clear?
The few who anything of truth have learned,
And foolishly did not keep truth concealed,
Their thoughts and visions to the common herd revealed,
Since time began we've crucified and burned

When I say to the Moment flying;
'Linger a while — thou art so fair!'
Then bind me in thy bonds undying,
And my final ruin I will bear!