Whenever I hear people talking about liberal ideas, I am always astounded that men should love to fool themselves with empty sounds. An idea should never be liberal; it must be vigorous, positive, and without loose ends so that it may fulfill its divine mission and be productive.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheIt is better to be doing the most insignificant thing than to reckon even a half-hour insignificant.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheHe who is plenteously provided for from within needs but little from without.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheLet mental culture go on advancing, let the natural sciences progress in even greater extent and depth, and the human mind widen itself as much as it desires: beyond the elevation and moral culture of Christianity, as it shines forth in the Gospels, it will not go.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheThe use of a thing is only a part of its significance. To know anything thoroughly, to have the full command of it in all its appliances, we must study it on its own account, independently of any special application.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe