“Both must move continually back and forth through life, like breathing in and breathing out.”

Original: Beides muß wie Aus- und Einatmen sich im Leben ewig fort hin und wider bewegen. — Thinking and action are presented as mutually dependent rhythms rather than opposing activities. · Maxims and Reflections (German)

• Action
• Life
• Wisdom

“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

“Deep and serious thinkers have a difficult position before the public.”

Original: Tief und ernstlich denkende Menschen haben gegen das Publikum einen bösen Stand. — Goethe observes the tension between serious thought and the demands of public opinion. · Wilhelm Meister’s Journeyman Years (German)

• Public Opinion
• Society
• Thought