Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Germany
28 Aug 1749 // 22 Mar 1832
Poet / Novelist / Humanist / Scientist / Philosopher

Quotes

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I can tell you, honest friend, what to believe: believe life; it teaches better that book or orator
He who is plenteously provided for from within, needs but little from without
He who enjoys doing and enjoys what he has done is happy
He who does not think much of himself is much more esteemed than he imagines
He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home
He is dead in this world who has no belief in another
Hatred is something peculiar. You will always find it strongest and most violent where there is the lowest degree of culture
Hatred is active, and envy passive dislike; there is but one step from envy to hate
Happiness is a ball after which we run wherever it rolls, and we push it with our feet when it stops
Girls we love for what they are; young men for what they promise to be
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On Anger: "For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind."
Essays
On Destiny: "Our destiny exercises its influence over us even when, as yet, we have not learned its nature: it is our future that lays down the law of our today."
Human, All Too Human
On Friendship: "A crowd is not company; and faces are but a gallery of pictures; and talk but a tinkling cymbal, where there is no love."
Essays