Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quotes

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now."

"Common sense is the genius of humanity."

"Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men."

"Talents are best nurtured in solitude, but character is best formed in the stormy billows of the world"

"He who moves not forward, goes backward"

"To create something you must be something."

"Strike the dog dead, it's but a critic!"

"We are shaped and fashioned by what we love."

"That is the true season of love; when we believe that we alone can love, that no one could ever have loved as much before, and that no one will ever love in the same way again."

"Then indecision brings its own delays,And days are lost lamenting o'er lost days.Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute;What you can do, or dream you can, begin it;Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."

"It is only necessary to grow old to become more charitable and even indulgent. I see no fault committed by others that I have not committed myself."

"While man's desires and aspirations stir he cannot choose but err."

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

"A really great talent finds its happiness in execution."

"If you modestly enjoy your fame you are not unworthy to rank with the holy."

"All the knowledge I possess everyone else can acquire, but my heart is all my own."

"Correction does much, but encouragement does more. Encouragement after censure is as the sun after a shower."

"Traveling is like gambling: it is always connected with winning and losing, and generally where it is least expected we receive, more or less than what we hoped for."

"The first and last thing required of genius is, love of the truth."

"The greatest genius will never be worth much if he pretends to draw exclusively from his own resources."