Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Aug 28 1749 to Mar 22 1832) was a German polymath, who is widely regarded as the greatest and most influential writer in the German language. His work has had a profound and wide-ranging influence on Western literary, political and philosophical thought, from the late 18th century to the present day. A poet, playwright, novelist, scientist, statesman, theatre director and critic. His works include plays, poetry and aesthetic criticism, treatises on botany, anatomy and color.
It is fascinating to read his history, and you can see more at the above link.
I have heard a similar quote " You can tell about a person by how he treats animals". I thought Goethe was a painter, just shows how much I know, NOT!
ReplyDeleteI love that quote too :) we are all learning my friend, I didn’t know who this gentleman was until I found his great quote and looked him up.
Deletewhat is your favorite thing about him other the quote? I agree with his observation.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great question. I would have to study his life more to answer that one. He seems to be a man of all seasons. I look forward to learning more about him and will answer your question when I have an answer.
DeleteYes, I've been looking through some of his quotes recently. That interesting character. Thank you for the refresher Denise! Aloha
ReplyDeleteHe is very interesting, I agree! Thank you Cloudia and you are very welcome :)
DeleteI know of him mainly as a poet. It's always surprising to uncover how much more there is to a person.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree Janice and thank you :)
DeleteLove that quote and it's so true. I've heard this one before or something similar. I'm not familiar with the man though. Thanks for the info
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome Ann and thank you :) I had heard the quote before also, though not for a while. I was happy to learn more about the author.
DeleteWay back I have read some of Goethe in translation. He truly was a remarkable man, a polymath as you say, skilled in so many fields. When brains were handed out he received the biggest and the best!
ReplyDeleteThat’s wonderful David :) yes, very remarkable and just as you say.
DeleteWhat a great quote! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteTake care, have a great day and a happy weekend.
Thank you Eileen, very happy you enjoyed and you are very welcome :) I wish you the same.
DeleteAmen to this one, totally agree, as in how people treat homeless people
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I definitely agree with that. My father used to say, and I think about my parents a lot lately, “There but for the Grace of God go I.” He would have liked Johann very much.
DeleteSo true about character. Personality reveals what individuals are like, too.
ReplyDeleteCouldn’t agree more Gigi :) Thank you!
DeleteI knew Goethe was famous but didn't realize he was so prominent in so many areas.
ReplyDeleteNew to me also. Thanks Red!
DeleteKindness never goes away - and benefits the giver as well as the recipient.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully worded Sue, thank you!
DeleteSo true.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
Very much so Regina, thank you :)
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