Most man only care for science so far as they get a living by it, and that they worship even error when it affords them a subsistence.

He only fears men who does not know them, and he who avoids them will soon misjudge them.

Man must strive, and striving he must err.

The sun had, in the meanwhile, sunk behind the Ettersberg. We felt in the wood the chill of the evening, and drove all the quicker to Wiemar, and to Goethe's house. Goethe urged me to go in with him for a while, and I did so. He was in an extremely engaging mood. He talked a great deal about his theory of colors, and of his obstinate opponents; remarking that he was sure that he had done something in this science.

It is opposition that makes us productive.

Self knowledge is best learned not by contemplation, but by action.

Names are but noise and smoke, Obscuring heavenly light.