I have often reaped what others have sowed. My work is the work of a collective being that bears the name Goethe.

It is unpleasant to miss even the most trifling thing to which we have been accustomed.

Humans fear reason, but they ought to fear stupidity- for reason can be hard, but stupidity can be fatal.

Translators can be considered as busy matchmakers who praise as extremely desirable a half-veiled beauty. They arouse an irresistible yearning for the original.

I always seek the good that is in people and leave the bad to Him who made mankind and knows how to round off the corners.

Hold your powers together for something good and let everything go that is for you without result and is not suited to you.

Unlimited activity, of whatever kind, must end in bankruptcy.