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 GoetheMan believes himself always greater than he is, and is esteemed less than he is worth.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheThe person of analytic or critical intellect finds something ridiculous in everything. The person of synthetic or constructive intellect, in almost nothing.
Johann Wolfgang von GoetheMusic, in the best sense, does not require novelty; nay, the older it is, and the more we are accustomed to it, the greater its effect.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe