Wood burns because it has the proper stuff for that purpose in it; and a man becomes renowned because he has the necessary stuff in him. Renown is not to be sought, and all pursuit of it is vain. A person may, indeed, by skillful conduct and various artificial means, make a sort of name for himself; but if the inner jewel is wanting, all is vanity, and will not last a day.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheFret not over the irretrievable, but ever act as if thy life were just begun.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheWho are you then?" "I am part of that power which eternally wills evil and eternally works good.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheWe who didn't inherit political power nor are made to acquire riches like nothing better than that which expands and solidifies the power of the spirit.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheMake the most of time, it flies away so fast; yet method will teach you to win time.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe