It is commonly the personal character of a writer which gives him his public significance. It is not imparted by his genius. Napoleon said of Corneille, "Were he living I would make him a king;" but he did not read him. He read Racine, yet he said nothing of the kind of Racine.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheThe affairs of the world are no more than so much trickery, and a man who toils for money or honour or whatever else in deference to the wishes of others, rather than because his own desire or needs lead him to do so, will always be a fool.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheWe are the slaves of objects around us, and appear little or important according as these contract or give us room to expand.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheWhat I possess I would gladly retain. Change amuses the mind, yet scarcely profits.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheWhen I say to the Moment flying; 'Linger a while -- thou art so fair!' Then bind me in thy bonds undying, And my final ruin I will bear!
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe