Man's highest merit always is, as much as possible, to rule external circumstances and as little as possible to let himself be ruled by them.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheWe can stand only a certain amount of unhappiness; anything beyond that annihilates us or passes us by, leaving us apathethetic.
Johann Wolfgang von GoethePrudent and active men, who know their strength and use it with limit and circumspection, alone go far in the affairs of the world.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe