Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I consider him of no account who esteems himself just as the
popular breath may chance to raise him.
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I consider him of no account who esteems himself just as the
popular breath may chance to raise him.
[Ger., Ich halte nichts von dem, der von sich denkt
Wie ihn das Volk vielleicht erheben mochte.]

Behavior is a mirror in which every one displays his own image

Behavior is a mirror in which every one displays his own image

The intelligent man finds almost everything ridiculous, the sensible man almost nothing.

The intelligent man finds almost everything ridiculous, the sensible man almost nothing.

Who is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others,
And in their pleasure takes joy, read more

Who is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others,
And in their pleasure takes joy, even as though t'were his own.

Someday perhaps the inner light will shine forth from us, and then we'll need no other light.

Someday perhaps the inner light will shine forth from us, and then we'll need no other light.