Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quotes

A collection of quotes by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) was a German writer, poet, playwright, and philosopher, considered one of the most influential figures in Western literature. Born in Frankfurt, Goethe's literary career spanned over six decades, during which he produced numerous literary works across various genres.

Goethe is best known for his masterpiece "Faust," a poetic drama that explores the protagonist's profound search for meaning and knowledge. This play earned him a significant reputation and cemented his status as one of the towering figures of German literature. Furthermore, his novel "The Sorrows of Young Werther" had a profound impact on the Romantic movement and made him a celebrity throughout Europe.

Beyond literature, Goethe was a man of intellectual curiosity and had a keen interest in science and philosophy. Throughout his life, he made significant contributions to fields such as natural science, botany, and optics, which earned him recognition as a polymath.

Goethe's impact goes beyond his writings; he played a crucial role in the Weimar Classicism movement and served as a statesman, working as an adviser to Duke Karl August of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. His literary and intellectual achievements have made him an enduring figure of German culture and literary history, with his works continuing to captivate readers worldwide.