Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Hatred is active, and envy passive dislike; there is but one step from envy to hate.

Hatred is active, and envy passive dislike; there is but one step from envy to hate.

Be generous with kindly words, especially about those who are absent.

Be generous with kindly words, especially about those who are absent.

Yet he who grasps the moment's gift,
He is the proper man.
[Ger., Der den Augenblick ergreift,
read more

Yet he who grasps the moment's gift,
He is the proper man.
[Ger., Der den Augenblick ergreift,
Das ist der rechte Mann.]

Culture which smooth the whole world licks,
Also unto the devil sticks.
[Ger., Auch die Kultur, die read more

Culture which smooth the whole world licks,
Also unto the devil sticks.
[Ger., Auch die Kultur, die alle Welt beleckt,
Hat auf den Teufel sich erstreckt.]

Cursed Mammon be, when he with treasures
To restless action spurs our fate!
Cursed when for soft, read more

Cursed Mammon be, when he with treasures
To restless action spurs our fate!
Cursed when for soft, indulgent leisures,
He lays for us the pillows straight.