“What belongs to us, we cannot get rid of, even if we were to throw it away.”

Original: Was einem angehört, wird man nicht los, und wenn man es wegwürfe. — The remark suggests that possessions, attachments and responsibilities can remain part of us even after rejection. · Wilhelm Meister’s Journeyman Years, Makaria’s Archive (German)

• Attachment
• Possession
• Self

“Voluntary dependence is the most beautiful condition, and how could it be possible without love.”

Original: Freiwillige Abhängigkeit ist der schönste Zustand, und wie wäre der möglich ohne Liebe. — Goethe presents freely chosen attachment as a paradoxical form of freedom grounded in love. · The Elective Affinities (German)

• Attachment
• Freedom
• Love

“A free heart cannot be broken by pillars or columns.”

Original: Pfeiler, Säulen kann man brechen, aber nicht ein freies Herz. — Inner freedom is presented as more resilient than structures that appear physically strong. · Maxims and Reflections (German)

• Freedom
• Heart
• Strength