One that does not think to highly of himself is more than he thinks.

Most pioneers are at the mercy of doubt at the beginning, whether of their worth, of their theories, or of the whole enigmatic field in which they labour.

Everything perfect in its kind has to transcend its own kind, it must become something different and incomparable. In some notes the nightingale is still a bird; then it rises above its class and seems to suggest to every winged creature what singing is truly like.

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

When 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!

If you wish to know the mind of a man, listen to his words.

What have the Germans gained by their boasted freedom of the press, except the liberty of abusing each other as they like?