Quotes from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

A great revolution is never the fault of the people, but of the government.

What government is the best? That which teaches us to govern ourselves. [Ger., Welche Regierung die beste sei? Diejenige die uns lehrt uns selbst zu regieren.]

It is bad governments, not bad people, who cause revolutions.

Being brilliant is no great feat if you respect nothing.

We must be young to do great things.

A really great talent finds its happiness in execution.

Great thoughts and a pure heart, that is what we should ask from God.

A great scholar is seldom a great philosopher.

Ye great teachers: listen to what you say!

Every great idea exerts, on first appearing, a tyrannical influence: Hence, the advantages it brings are turned all too soon into disadvantages.

What reason would grope for in vain, spontaneous impulse ofttimes achieves at a stroke, with light and pleasureful guidance.

If I accept you as you are, I will make you worse; however, if I treat you as though you are what you are capable of becoming, I help you become that.

He who enjoys doing and enjoys what he has done is happy.

Begin by instructing yourself, then you will receive instruction from others.

True happiness springs from moderation. [Ger., Aus Massigkeit entspringt ein reines Gluck.]

Alas! sorrow from happiness is oft evolved.

When two people are really happy about one another one can generally assume they are mistaken.

True happiness springs from moderation.

An absent friend gives us friendly company when we are well assured of his happiness.

The most congenial social occasions are those ruled by cheerful deference of each for all.

Even the lowliest, provided he is whole, can be happy, and in his own . way, perfect.

It has ever been my fate to give pain to those whose happiness I should have promoted.

Happiness is a ball after which we run wherever it rolls, and we push it with our feet when it stops.

Once I blazed across the sky, Leaving trails of flame; I fell to earth, and here I lie - Who'll help me up again? -A Shooting Star