Johann Wolfgang von Goethe quotes

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a German writer, poet, and statesman, regarded as one of the greatest literary figures in history. His works, including "Faust" and "The Sorrows of Young Werther," have had a profound influence on literature, philosophy, and science. He is celebrated for his contributions to German culture and the broader European intellectual landscape. Here are 710 of his quotes:

A person hears only what they understand.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The first and last thing required of genius is the love of truth.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The coward threatens when he is safe.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

What government is the best That which teaches us to govern ourselves.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

A man's manners are a mirror in which he shows his portrait.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Nothing shows a man's character more than what he laughs at.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

He who does not think much of himself is much more esteemed than he imagines.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Those who know nothing of foreign languages, knows nothing of their own.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

We can't form our children on our own concepts; we must take them and love them as God gives them to us.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Instruction does much, but encouragement everything.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Behaviour is a mirror in which everyone shows his image.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I love those who yearn for the impossible.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

A noble person attracts noble people, and knows how to hold on to them.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Piety is not an end but a means to attain by the greatest peace of mind the highest degree of culture.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

We are never further from what we wish than when we believe that we have what we wished for.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Modern poets put a lot of water into their ink.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

We are never deceived; we deceive ourselves.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Superstition is the poetry of life.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe