“With the years, the trials increase.”

Original: Mit den Jahren steigern sich die Prüfungen. — Life is portrayed as an accumulation of challenges rather than a gradual retreat from difficulty. · Wilhelm Meister’s Journeyman Years, Makaria’s Archive (German)

• Age
• Difficulty
• Endurance

“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 hears only what one understands.”

Original: Es hört doch jeder nur, was er versteht. — Understanding determines what people are capable of hearing in another person's words. · Maxims and Reflections, from the posthumous papers (German)

• Communication
• Perception
• Understanding