Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Faust, German literature

Early Modern influential 95 sayings

Sayings by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.

1809 — Elective Affinities, Part I, Chapter 10
Controversial Confirmed

The highest wisdom is to know that we know nothing.

— Attributed, but more famously associated with Socrates. Goethe likely echoed similar sentiments.
Controversial Unverifiable

The more light a man has in his heart, the less darkness he will have in his path.

Approx. 1800s — Attributed, often a paraphrase of his spiritual and philosophical outlook.
Controversial Unverifiable

Man cannot live without a permanent belief in something indestructible in himself, though both the indestructible element and the belief may remain hidden from him.

1833 — Maxims and Reflections, 29
Controversial Unverifiable

To say something is true is not enough; one must also live it.

Approx. 1800s — Attributed, a common interpretation of his emphasis on experience and action.
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest evil is not done by evil people, but by good people who stand by and do nothing.

— Attributed, but more famously associated with Edmund Burke. Unlikely a direct Goethe quote.
Controversial Unverifiable

Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must.

1827 — Conversations with Eckermann, January 29, 1827
Controversial Unverifiable

The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.

— Attributed, but more famously associated with Plutarch. Unlikely a direct Goethe quote.
Controversial Unverifiable

Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.

Approx. 1800s — Attributed, this phrasing is very popular but exact source in his works is difficult to find. Often …
Controversial Unverifiable

The human being is an abyss.

1832 — Faust, Part II, Act III, scene 'Helena'
Controversial Unverifiable

To see a thing as it is, and not as it should be, is the beginning of wisdom.

— Attributed, a common philosophical sentiment, not a unique Goethe quote.
Controversial Unverifiable

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.

1808 — Faust (often paraphrased, this version is very common but not exact from the play)
Controversial Unverifiable

Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter least.

— Attributed, but more commonly associated with Stephen Covey. Unlikely a direct Goethe quote.
Controversial Unverifiable

A man who is always in a hurry is always behind.

— Attributed, a common proverb, not a specific Goethe quote.
Controversial Unverifiable

The truly wise man is he who knows that he knows nothing.

— Attributed, but more famously associated with Socrates. Unlikely a direct Goethe quote.
Controversial Unverifiable

All theory, dear friend, is gray, but the golden tree of life springs ever green.

1808 — Faust, Part I, 'Faust's Study'
Controversial Unverifiable

I love those who yearn for the impossible.

1808 — From his play 'Faust', Part 1.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

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

1811-1833 — From his autobiographical work 'Poetry and Truth', Book 20.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The deed is everything, the glory nothing.

1832 — From his play 'Faust', Part 2.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

One must ask children and birds how cherries and strawberries taste.

1833 — From his collection of aphorisms, 'Maxims and Reflections'.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable