Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a German poet, playwright, novelist, scientist and statesman. He is considered the greatest German literary figure of the modern era. Throughout his life he demonstrated his prolific genius in many different areas. Goethe composed literary works and established artistic principles that had a profound influence on his contemporaries.
Goethe was born August 28, 1749. He was educated at home by his father and tutors until 1765. He has published many novels, plays and poems that have influenced many literary geniuses after him. He also contributed to the planning of Weimar’s botanical park and the rebuilding of its Ducal Palace. He died on March 22, 1832, but his work still continues to influence people.
1 Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Knowledge is not enough. If you aren’t going to apply your wisdom, all of it goes to waste. Everything lies in the ability to act on what you have planned in your mind.
2 The decline of literature indicates the decline of a nation. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The measure of a nation lies in the diversity and quality of it’s literature. A decline of literature is a sign that there is a decline of intellect in the nation.
3 None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Those who are detached from reality often have it the worst. People who falsely believe that they are free will always be enslaved by their own ignorance and stupidity.
4 Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The way a person behaves with others is a reflection of their true character. Your personality leaks into your daily mannerisms and the subtle cues you give out.
5 Magic is believing in yourself. If you can do that, you can make anything happen. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Believing in yourself is the first step towards success. If you can do that, half your work is done. Unless you are truly confident about yourself, you are unlikely to achieve anything.
6 Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Dreams are what keep us going in life. So why limit yourself? Dream big dreams and work hard to achieve them. You will eventually have inspired those around you too.
7 I love those who yearn for the impossible. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
There is a certain charm in those who yearn to do the impossible. It takes a lot of courage and strength to believe in the impossible and strive towards achieving that.
8 We always have time enough, if we will but use it aright. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
We have enough time on our hands. Our fault is that we don’t realize it’s value and end up wasting it. Once time slips through our fingers, there’s no way to get it back.
9 What is important in life is life, and not the result of life. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The beauty of life can only be fathomed if you live in the moment. It’s not the destination that matters but rather, the journey itself.
10 Divide and rule, the politician cries; unite and lead, is the watchword of the wise. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Politics is indeed a dirty game. Politicians divide the masses for their own selfish motives. They fear the power of the people if they stand united. If the people stand together as one, there’s nothing that they cannot achieve.
11 The coward only threatens when he is safe. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
It takes a lot of guts to stand up when you have no advantage. Cowards only act strong when they are safe. But when cornered, they cower away like rats.
12 If God had wanted me otherwise, He would have created me otherwise. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
People have justified their discriminatory behavior by leaning onto the idea that the discriminated are undesirable. But if God wanted someone to be a certain way, wouldn’t he already have made them like that?
13 Life belongs to the living, and he who lives must be prepared for changes. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Change is the one thing that is constant in life. Unless you are ready to change with the changing times, you cannot survive in this world and you’ll always be left behind.
14 Nothing shows a man’s character more than what he laughs at. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Your sense of humor is an indication of your true character. What you find funny tells a lot about the kind of person you really are.
15 Wisdom is found only in truth. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
The truth is the thing that the wise rely on. Lies are used by cowards and fools who fear the power of truth.
15 Most Meaningful Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quotes
1. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
2. The decline of literature indicates the decline of a nation. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
3. None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe`
4. Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
5. Magic is believing in yourself. If you can do that, you can make anything happen. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
6. Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
7. I love those who yearn for the impossible. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
8. We always have time enough, if we will but use it aright. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
9. What is important in life is life, and not the result of life. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
10. Divide and rule, the politician cries; unite and lead, is the watchword of the wise. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
11. The coward only threatens when he is safe. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
12. If God had wanted me otherwise, He would have created me otherwise. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
13. Life belongs to the living, and he who lives must be prepared for changes. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
14. Nothing shows a man’s character more than what he laughs at. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
15. Wisdom is found only in truth. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe