johann wolfgang von goethe Quotes

15"General ideas and great conceit are always a fair way to bring about terrible misfortune.

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Criticisms, Reflections and Maxims of Goethe

We are all pilgrims who seek Italy.

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

In all things it is better to hope than to despair.

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

My father, my father, and dost thou not hearThe words that the Erl-King now breathes in mine ear?'Be calm, dearest child, 'tis thy fancy deceives;Tis the sad wind that sighs through the withering leaves.

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Works of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

There is nothing in which people more betray their character than in what they find to laugh at.

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Elective Affinities

The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers & cities; but to know someone who thinks & feels with us, & who, though distant, is close to us in spirit, this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden.

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

By Fortune's adverse buffets overborneTo solitude I fled, to wilds forlorn,And not in utter loneliness to live,Myself at last did to the Devil give!

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Faust

Des Menschen Kraft, im Dichter offenbartThe human power is revealed by poetIl potere dell'umanità si rivela nel poeta

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The limits of my language are the limits of my universe.

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

If I wasn't a devil myself I'd give Me up to the Devil this very minute.

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Faust

You focus on telling stories,
we do everything else.