Gotthold Ephraim Lessing quotes

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing was a German writer, philosopher, and dramatist, considered one of the most outstanding representatives of the Enlightenment. His works promoted religious tolerance, freedom of thought, and the ideals of rationalism. He is remembered for influential plays such as "Nathan the Wise" and for shaping German literature and criticism. Here are 30 of his quotes:

If some things don't make you lose your sense of reason, then you have none to lose.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

For me the greatest beauty always lies in the greatest clarity.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

Think wrongly, if you please, but in all cases think for yourself.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

To look forward to pleasure is also a pleasure.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

I, who ne'er Went for myself a begging, go a borrowing, And that for others. Borrowing's much the same As begging; just as lending upon usury Is much the same as thieving.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

The worst of superstitions is to think One's own most bearable.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

The search for truth is more precious than its possession.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

For the will and not the gift makes the giver.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

Absolute truth belongs to Thee alone.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

Trust no friend without faults, and love a maiden, but no angel.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

What is a hero without love for mankind?

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

It is the mark of great people to treat trifles as trifles and important matters as important.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

Pearls mean tears.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

Better counsel comes overnight.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

Variant: Man - who is he? Too bad to be the work of God; Too good for the work of chance!

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

It is infinitely difficult to know when and where one should stop, and for all but one in thousands the goal of their thinking is the point at which they have become tired of thinking.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

Let us be lazy in everything, except in loving and drinking, except in being lazy.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

He who doesn't lose his wits over certain things has no wits to lose.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

Let the devil catch you but by a single hair, and you are his forever.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

Would that we could at once paint with the eyes! In the long way from the eye through the arm to the pencil, how much is lost!

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

They make glorious shipwreck who are lost in seeking worlds.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

Possession makes one passive, indolent, and proud.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing