Poet · German · 1749 – 1832 · 200 quotes
To witness two lovers is a spectacle for the gods.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Poet · German · 1749 – 1832
No one has ever learned fully to know themselves.
A correct answer is like an affectionate kiss.
We will burn that bridge when we come to it.
We are never deceived; we deceive ourselves.
The deed is everything, the glory is naught.
To create something you must be something.
The coward only threatens when he is safe.
A person hears only what they understand.
All the knowledge I possess everyone else can acquire, but my heart is all my own.
Superstition is the poetry of life.
An unused life is an early death.
A useless life is an early death.
Music is either sacred or secular. The sacred agrees with its dignity, and here has its greatest effect on life, an effect that remains the same through all ages and epochs. Secular music should be cheerful throughout.
Wisdom is found only in truth.
If you must tell me your opinions, tell me what you believe in. I have plenty of doubts of my own.
A clever man commits no minor blunders.
Love does not dominate; it cultivates.
Beauty is everywhere a welcome guest.
Nothing is worth more than this day.
I never knew a more presumptuous person than myself. The fact that I say that shows that what I say is true.
I call architecture frozen music.
Love can do much, but duty more.
The world remains ever the same.
In art the best is good enough.
The little man is still a man.
On all the peaks lies peace.
Doubt grows with knowledge.
Mysteries are not necessarily miracles.
Common sense is the genius of humanity.
Sowing is not as difficult as reaping.
To rule is easy, to govern difficult.
Live dangerously and you live right.
The unnatural, that too is natural.
I think that I am better than the people who are trying to reform me.
Mastery passes often for egotism.
Precaution is better than cure.
All things are only transitory.
I do not know myself, and God forbid that I should.
Know thyself? If I knew myself I would run away.
