Maxims and Reflections

If a man thinks about his physical or moral condition, he generally finds that he is ill.

He is the happiest man who can set the end of his life in connection with the beginning.

With those who are really of like disposition with himself a man cannot long be at variance; he will always come to an agreement again. With those who are really of adverse disposition, he may in vain try to preserve harmony; he will always come to a separation again.

The true is Godlike: we do not see it itself; we must guess at it through its manifestations.

The thoughtful and honest observer is always learning more and more of his limitations;

Love of truth shows itself in this, that a man knows how to find and value the good in everything.

It is, then, depth and truth and sanity of observation which chiefly mark these sayings of Goethe. It is no concern of his to dazzle the mind by the brilliance of his wit; nor does he labour to say things because they are striking, but only because they are true.

active scepticism;

The man who wants to be active and has to be so, need only think of what is fitting at the moment, and he will make his way without difficulty.

In the works of mankind, as in those of nature, it is really the motive which is chiefly worth attention.