The poet should seize the Particular, and he should, if there be anything sound in it, thus represent the Universal.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheMen show their character in nothing more clearly than what they think laughable.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheWithout my attempts in natural science, I should never have learned to know mankind such as it is. In nothing else can we so closely approach pure contemplation and thought, so closely observe the errors of the senses and of the understanding, the weak and strong points of character.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe