Quote by Johann von Goethe
The people who are absent are the ideal; those who are present seem to be quite commonplace.
Summary
This quote suggests that when someone is absent or not present, they are often idealized and held in higher regard. However, when people are physically present, they may seem ordinary or unremarkable. It highlights a common tendency to romanticize the qualities and characteristics of those who are not around, while underappreciating or taking for granted the qualities of those who are present in our daily lives.