“One must be something in order to make something.”

Original: Man muß etwas sein, um etwas zu machen. — Great creative work requires the inner development of the person who undertakes it. · Conversation with Johann Peter Eckermann, 20 October 1828 (German)

• Art
• Character
• Creation

“The greatest difficulties lie where we are not looking for them.”

Original: Die größten Schwierigkeiten liegen da, wo wir sie nicht suchen. — The remark warns that the real obstacles in life are often hidden by our assumptions about where danger lies. · Wilhelm Meister’s Journeyman Years, Makaria’s Archive (German)

• Attention
• Difficulty
• Discovery

“I keep silent about many things because I do not want to confuse people, and I am content when they rejoice where I am annoyed.”

Original: Ich schweige zu vielem still, denn ich mag die Menschen nicht irremachen und bin wohl zufrieden, wenn sie sich freuen da wo ich mich ärgere. — The remark combines restraint with generosity towards the differing perceptions of others. · Wilhelm Meister’s Journeyman Years (German)

• Attitude
• Silence
• Tolerance