Quotes from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

We talk too much. We should talk less and draw more.

Art rests on a kind of religious sense, on a deep, steadfast earnestness; and on this account it unites so readily with religion.

In art it's not the thinking that does the job, but making.

When I say to the Moment flying; 'Linger a while -- thou art so fair!' Then bind me in thy bonds undying, And my final ruin I will bear!

He who possesses science and art, Possesses religion as well; He who possesses neither of these, Had better have religion.

A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart.

Tolerance should really be only a temporary attitude; it must lead to recognition. To tolerate means to offend.

Like the star that shines afar, Without haste and without rest, Let each one wheel with steady sway Round the task that rules the day, And do their best.

Let your trouble be Light will follow dark Though the heaven falls You may hear the lark.

The ideal of beauty is simplicity and tranquility.

Beauty is at once the ultimate principle and the highest aim of art.

Beautiful is greater than Good, for it includes the Good.

Translators can be considered as busy matchmakers who praise as extremely desirable a half-veiled beauty. They arouse an irresistible yearning for the original.

The best government is that which teaches us to govern ourselves.

The best way to understand a painting is by drawing it.

Error is acceptable as long as we are young; but one must not drag it along into old age.

To think is easy. To act is difficult. To act as one thinks is the most difficult.

Giving is the business of the rich.

For to give is the business of the rich. [Lat., Denn Geben ist Sache des Reichen.]

Everybody wants to be somebody; nobody wants to grow.

How shall we learn to know ourselves? By reflection? Never; but only through action. Strive to do thy duty; then shalt thou know what is in thee.

I do not know myself and God forbid that I should

"Know thyself"? If I knew myself I'd run away

There is no patriotic art and no patriotic science