Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quotes - 51 Inspirational Sayings Of The German Poet

Looking for inspirational Johann Wolfgang von Goethe quotes? Then you've come to the right place! Goethe is considered one of the most important creators of German-language poetry. His poetry, dramas, scientific writings and many other literary works are world-famous - and his quotes are extremely inspiring.

That's why I'd like to give you the best sayings and wisdom from the German poet.

My please: Keep in mind that many of the quotes from Goethe have been translated into English from other languages. I cannot guarantee that it is the original quote in each case. Therefore, double check them before you share them. If you like and share any of the quotes in the internet, please link this elaborately created collection. Thank you for your support!

51 words of wisdom and sayings by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I am personally enthusiastic about the Complexity of the topics he dealt with. For example, he dealt with problems of politics, physics, anatomy, botany or mineralogy and was also very critical of society. The following quotes from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe will underline this. Have fun!

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quotes 1 - 10

1. "What is uttered from the heart alone, will win the hearts of others to your own."
2. "Even the stones placed in one's path can be made into something beautiful."
3. "The moment takes, what years give."
4. "True happiness springs from moderation."
5. "It strikes man more what he lacks than what he owns."
6. "Mountains are silent masters and make silent students."
7. "We are frightened by our own sins when we see them in others."
8. "He who no longer loves and no longer errs, should let himself be buried."
9. "If you want to get pleasure out of life, you must attach value to the world."
10. "He who tortures animals is unsouled and missing God's good spirit, however noble he may look, he should never be trusted."

Tip: At Animal welfare quotes you will find a whole series of other sayings in the fight against Cruelty to animals.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quotes 11 - 20

11. "It is ever true that he who does nothing for others, does nothing for himself."
12. "Who is the happiest man? He who is alive to the merit of others, and can rejoice in their enjoyment as if it were his own."
13. "I prefer the harmful truth to the useful error."
14. "Collectors are happy people."
15. "There is nothing more frightful than for a teacher to know only what his scholars are intended to know."
16. "Only the soul that loves is happy."
17. "Meditation puts us in touch with what holds the world together at its core."
18. "You can't get the experience soon enough, how expendable you are in the world."
19. "Our desires presage the capacities within us they are harbingers of what we shall be able to accomplish."
20. "Two things children should get from their parents: Roots and wings."

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quotes 21 - 30

21. "One always has time enough, if one will apply it well."
22. "Noble be man, helpful and good! For that alone sets hims apart from every other creature on earth."
23. "You think of what you have left; What you were used to remains a paradise."
24. "You're not traveling in order to arrive but in order to travel."
25. "What a heavenly feeling it is to follow your heart."
26. "Judge a man's character by what he finds ridiculous."
27. "For those who are right and patient, the time will come."
28. "Tolerance should really only be a passing attitude: it should lead to appreciation. To tolerate is to offend."
29. "He who wants good, let him first be good."
30. "There is nothing more pathetic in the world than an indecisive man."

Tip: Take a look at my article about good deeds in everyday lifeto inspire you even more concretely 🙂.

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe Quotes 31-40

31. "Ingratitude is always a kind of weakness."
32. "It takes a lot of courage and strength to believe in the impossible and strive towards achieving that."
33. "Encouragement following on the steps of blame, like sunshine after rain, is pregnant with fruitful results."
34. "What is not started today is never finished tomorrow."
35. "A talent is formed in stillness, a character in the world's torrent."
36. "Attention is life!"
37. "You always win, learning what others think of you."
38. "The soul that sees beauty may sometimes walk alone."
39. "Truth has to be repeated constantly, because Error also is being preached all the time, and not just by a few, but by the multitude."
40. "Stumbling sometimes gets you forward; you just must not fall and stay down."

Tip: Fitting to the last mentioned quote I can also give you the valuable Founder quotes and tips for a Sustainable company foundation to the heart.

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe Quotes 41-51

41. "The best education for a clever person is found in travel."
42. "The world judges by the appearance."
43. "All is born of water; all is sustained by water."
44. "Doubt grows with knowledge."
45. "Behavior is a mirror in which everyone shows his image."
46. "Out of moderation a pure happiness springs."
47. "I am one of those who are convinced that the healthiest and most natural food remains the vegetables, fruits and dairy products for man and that the vegetarian diet ensures a simple life and high thinking."
48. "A person hears only what they understand."
49. "Those who learn late in life how to pretend, have the appearance of honesty ahead of them."
50. "Habit is a man's sole comfort. We dislike doing without even unpleasant things to which we have become accustomed."
51. "Man errs as long as he strives."

Can you think of any other sayings and words of wisdom by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe that should not be missing here under any circumstances? Then feel free to write them to me in the comments!

Frequently asked questions about Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Using the Quotes from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe for Constant Inspiration

His vocabulary, works and wisdom made Goethe famous - and are still used in German lessons almost 200 years after his death. I hope that I was able to inspire you with his versatile quotes.

Finally, I would like to further articles that fit in with Goethe's values and could promote your personal development:

• Mindfulness - How to live more mindfully
• Why live vegan?
• When does a job make us happy?

Do you have any questions or would you like to add more Goethe quotes to this collection? Then I look forward to your comments.

Stay inspired,

PS.: In the Quotes blog you will find hundreds of other rousing sayings. For example, take a look at the list of the best Quotes from Alexander von Humboldt.