Quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

What wise or stupid thing can man conceive That was not thought of in ages long ago?

What wise or stupid thing can man conceive That was not thou

Summary

This quote highlights the inherently cyclical nature of human ideas and inventions throughout history. It suggests that no matter how wise or foolish an idea may be, it is likely that someone in the past has already contemplated it. This implies that human knowledge and imagination are not completely innovative but are often built upon past experiences and knowledge. It encourages humility, reminding us to consider the wealth of wisdom and folly that our ancestors have already explored and to learn from their experiences.

Topics

Age Man

By Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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