People are always talking about originality; but what do they mean? As soon as we are born, the world begins to work upon us; and this goes on to the end. And after all, what can we call our own, except energy, strength, and will? If I could give an account of all that I owe to great predecessors and contemporaries, there would be but a small balance in my favor.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheEveryone believes in his youth that the world really began with him, and that all merely exists for his sake.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheWe amuse ourselves painting our prison-walls with bright figures and brilliant landscapes.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe