There is nothing more frightful than ignorance in action.
Your messages I hear, but faith has not been given; The dearest child of Faith is Miracle [Ger., Die Botschaft hor' ich wohl, allein mir fehlt der Glaube; Das Wunder ist des Glaubens liebstes Kind.]
You'll never attain it unless you know the feeling. [Ger., Wenn ihr's nicht fuhlt ihr werdet's nicht erjagen.]
It is the fortunate who should extol fortune. [Ger., Das Gluck erhebe billig der Begluckte.]
The day of fortune is like a harvest day, We must be busy when the corn is ripe. [Ger., Ein tag der Gunst ist wie ein Tag der Ernte, Man muss geschaftig sein sobald sie reift.]
Fortune rarely accompanies anyone to the door.
Yes! to this thought I hold with firm persistence; The last result of wisdom stamps it true; He only earns his freedom and existence Who daily conquers them anew.
Certain flaws are necessary for the whole. It would seem strange if old friends lacked certain quirks.
The first and last thing required of genius is the love of truth. [Ger., Das erste und letzte, was vom Genie gefordert wird, ist Wahreits-Liebe.]
Genius develops in quiet places, character out in the full current of human life.
Presents at once? That's good. He is sure to succeed. [Ger., Gleich schenken? das ist brav. Da wird er reussieren.]
Gifts come from above in their own peculiar forms. [Ger., Die Gaben Kommen von oben herab, in ihren eignen Gestalten.]
For to give is the business of the rich. [Lat., Denn Geben ist Sache des Reichen.]
I make presents to the mother, but think of the daughter. [Ger., Der Mutter schenk' ich, Die Tochter denk' ich.]
A good man, through obscurest aspirations Has still an instinct of the one true way. [Ger., Ein guter Mensch, in seinem dunkeln Drange, Ist sich des rechten Weges sohl bewusst.]
Which government is best? That which teaches us to govern ourselves.
Someday perhaps the inner light will shine forth from us, and then we'll need no other light.
Beware of her fair hair, for she excels All women in the magic of her locks; And when she winds them round a young man's neck, She will not ever set him free again.
Who is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others, And in their pleasure takes joy, even as though t'were his own.
The highest happiness, the purest joys of life, wear out at last. [Ger., Das beste Gluck, des Lebens schonste Kraft Ermattet endlich.]
Hatred is active, and envy passive dislike; there is but one step from envy to hate.
Take care of your body with steadfast fidelity. The soul must see through these eyes alone, and if they are dim, the whole world is clouded.
My peace is gone, my heart is heavy. [Ger., Meine Ruh ist hin, Mein Herz ist schwer.]
Only the heart without a stain knows perfect ease. [Ger., Ganz unbefleckt geniesst sich nur das Herz.]
A wounded heart can with difficulty be cured. [Ger., Doch ein gekranktes Herz erholt sich schwer.]