Light has called forth one organ to become its like, and thus the eye is formed by the light and for the light so that the inner light may emerge to meet the outer light.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheRiches amassed in haste will diminish; but those collected by hand and little by little will multiply.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheThe world sees only the reflection of merit; therefore when you come to know a really great man intimately, you may as often find him above as below his reputation.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheWhat am I then...? Everything that I have seen, heard, and observed I have collected and exploited. My works have been nourished by countless different individuals, by innocent and wise ones, people of intelligence and dunces. Childhood, maturity and old age all have brought me their thoughts....their perspectives on life. I have often reaped what others have sowed. My work is the work of a collective being that bears the name Goethe.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe