All the knowledge I possess everyone else can acquire, but my heart is all my own.
Johann Wolfgang Von GoetheRead
A man's shortcomings are taken from his epoch; his virtues and greatness belong to himself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The limitations of a person can be attributed to their time and circumstances, while their true virtues are inherent and personal.
This quote by Goethe suggests that a person's weaknesses are often influenced by the societal and historical context in which they live, while their virtues and greatness are intrinsic qualities that define them as individuals. It emphasizes the distinction between external factors that shape behavior and the inner character that reflects one's true self.
Themes
ShortcomingsVirtuesGreatnessEpochCharacter
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about self-improvement and personal growth.
More from Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
All quotes βDestiny grants us our wishes, but in its own way, in order to give us something beyond our wishes.
Johann Wolfgang Von GoetheRead
There is a courtesy of the heart; it is allied to love. From its springs the purest courtesy in the outward behavior.
Johann Wolfgang Von GoetheRead
I am amazed to see how deliberately I have entangled myself step by step. To have seen my position so clearly, and yet to have acted so like a child!
Johann Wolfgang Von GoetheRead
Seldom in the business and transactions of ordinary life, do we find the sympathy we want.
Johann Wolfgang Von GoetheRead
Know thyself? If I knew myself I would run away.
Johann Wolfgang Von GoetheRead
Similar quotes
I realized that all my life, my values were based upon typical middle-class American values: hard work, doing good, living well, owning things, following the rules & being the best I can be... but God clearly says, "those are not MY values. I value justice, mercy & humility.
John GreenRead
Religious persecution may shield itself under the guise of a mistaken and over-zealous piety.
Edmund BurkeRead
The lie is so vile, that even if it were in speaking well of godly things, it would take off something from God's grace; and Truth is so excellent, that if it praises but small things they become noble.
Leonardo Da VinciRead
The chief misery of the decline of the faculties, and a main cause of the irritability that often goes with it, is evidently the isolation, the lack of customary appreciation and influence, which only the rarest tact and thoughtfulness on the part of others can alleviate.
Charles Horton CooleyRead
A sensible man will remember that the eyes may be confused in two ways - by a change from light to darkness or from darkness to light; and he will recognize that the same thing happens to the soul.
PlatoRead
The greatest achievement of humanity is not its works of art, science, or technology, but the recognition of its own dysfunction.
Eckhart TolleRead