“The human being is not born to solve the world but to understand where the problem begins.”

Original: Der Mensch ist nicht geboren, die Probleme der Welt zu lösen, sondern zu suchen, wo das Problem anfängt. — The wording is widely attributed to Goethe, but the precise source is difficult to establish. · Maxims and Reflections, commonly attributed (German)

• Knowledge
• Problems
• Understanding

“One knows only when one knows little; with knowledge, doubt increases.”

Original: Eigentlich weiß man nur, wenn man wenig weiß; mit dem Wissen wächst der Zweifel. — Greater knowledge brings awareness of complexity and the limits of certainty. · Maxims and Reflections (German)

• Doubt
• Knowledge
• Science

“To understand that the sky is blue everywhere, one need not travel around the world.”

Original: Um zu begreifen, daß der Himmel überall blau ist, braucht man nicht um die Welt zu reisen. — Not every truth requires exhaustive experience; insight can sometimes replace unnecessary investigation. · Wilhelm Meister’s Journeyman Years, Makaria’s Archive (German)

• Knowledge
• Travel
• Understanding

“One must hold fast to the belief that the incomprehensible is comprehensible; otherwise one would not investigate.”

Original: Der Mensch muß bei dem Glauben verharren, daß das Unbegreifliche begreiflich sei; er würde sonst nicht forschen. — The desire to understand what initially seems mysterious is presented as the foundation of enquiry. · Wilhelm Meister’s Journeyman Years, Makaria’s Archive (German)

• Discovery
• Knowledge
• Science

“One sees only what one knows. In truth, one perceives only what one already knows and understands.”

Original: Man sieht nur, was man weiß. Eigentlich: Man erblickt nur, was man schon weiß und versteht. — Perception is shaped by knowledge, suggesting that understanding changes what the world allows us to see. · Letter to Friedrich von Müller, 24 April 1819 (German)

• Knowledge
• Perception
• Understanding

“It is not enough to know; one must also apply. It is not enough to want; one must also act.”

Original: Es ist nicht genug, zu wissen, man muß auch anwenden; es ist nicht genug zu wollen, man muß auch tun. — Knowledge and intention acquire value only when they lead to practical action. · Wilhelm Meister’s Journeyman Years, Makaria’s Archive (German)

• Action
• Knowledge
• Will