The greater part of all the mischief in the world arises from the fact that men do not sufficiently understand their own aims.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheTruth is a torch, but a terrific one; therefore we all try to reach it with closed eyes, lest we should be scorched.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheSound and sufficient reason falls, after all, to the share of but few men, and those few men exert their influence in silence.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheNature! We live in her midst and know her not. She is incessantly speaking to us, but betrays not her secret. We constantly act upon her, and yet have no power over her. Variant: NATURE! We are surrounded and embraced by her: powerless to separate ourselves from her, and powerless to penetrate beyond her.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe