Johann Wolfgang von Goethe quotes, with sources

German poet, playwright, and polymath, author of Faust, and a central figure of Weimar Classicism. Here are 11 short quotes by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 – 1832), each with the work it comes from, drawn from 11 sources.

Never by thinking, but by doing.

Maxims and Reflections

Hope is the second soul of the unhappy.

Maxims and Reflections, no. 194

To live in a great idea means to treat the impossible as though it were possible.

Maxims and Reflections, no. 239

One need only grow old to become gentler in one’s judgments.

Maxims and Reflections, no. 124

I will enjoy the present, and the past shall be for me the past.

The Sorrows of Young Werther, Letter of 4 May

The first and last thing that is required of genius is love of truth.

Maxims and Reflections, no. 336

Try to do your duty, and you will know at once what you are worth.

Maxims and Reflections, Life and Character, no. 2

Tell me with whom you associate, and I will tell you who you are.

Maxims and Reflections, Life and Character, no. 7

Against the great superiority of another there is no remedy but love.

Maxims and Reflections, Life and Character, no. 270

Difficulties increase the nearer we come to our aim.

Maxims and Reflections, Life and Character, no. 278

In every artist there is a germ of daring, without which no talent is conceivable.

Maxims and Reflections, Literature and Art, no. 495

Sources

Maxims and Reflections
Maxims and Reflections, Life and Character, no. 2
Maxims and Reflections, Life and Character, no. 270
Maxims and Reflections, Life and Character, no. 278
Maxims and Reflections, Life and Character, no. 7
Maxims and Reflections, Literature and Art, no. 495
Maxims and Reflections, no. 124
Maxims and Reflections, no. 194
Maxims and Reflections, no. 239
Maxims and Reflections, no. 336
The Sorrows of Young Werther, Letter of 4 May

Themes

Growth Wisdom Resilience Purpose Courage Creativity Focus Hope Calm Joy Connection Love

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