Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Many a man's reputation would not know his character if they met
on the street.

Many a man's reputation would not know his character if they met
on the street.

Whoever gives himself up to solitude,
Ah! he is soon alone.
[Ger., Wer sich der Einsamkeit ergiebt,
read more

Whoever gives himself up to solitude,
Ah! he is soon alone.
[Ger., Wer sich der Einsamkeit ergiebt,
Ach! der ist bald allein.]

A collection of anecdotes and maxims is the greatest of treasures for the man of the world, for he knows read more

A collection of anecdotes and maxims is the greatest of treasures for the man of the world, for he knows how to intersperse conversation with the former in fit places, and to recollect the latter on proper occasions

For what one has in black and white,
One can carry home in comfort.
[Ger., Denn was read more

For what one has in black and white,
One can carry home in comfort.
[Ger., Denn was man schwarz auf weiss besitzt,
Kann man getrost nach Hause tragen.]

There are men who never err, because they never propose anything
rational.
[Ger., Est giebt Menschen die gar read more

There are men who never err, because they never propose anything
rational.
[Ger., Est giebt Menschen die gar nicht irren, weil sie sich
nichts Vernunftiges vorsetzen.]