Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Truth Quotations

Where is the man who has the strength to be true, and to show himself as he is?

First and last, what is demanded of genius is love of truth.

Nothing hurts a new truth more than an old error

Wisdom is found only in truth.

Love of truth shows itself in this, that a man knows how to find and value the good in everything.

It is easier to perceive error than to find truth, for the former lies on the surface and is easily seen, while the latter lies in the depth, where few are willing to search for it.

There is but one poetry,--true poetry.

Truth is a torch, but a terrific one; therefore we all try to reach it with closed eyes, lest we should be scorched.

Truth must be repeated again and again, because error is constantly being preached round about.

Error is to truth as sleep is to waking. I have observed that one turns, as if refreshed, from error back to truth.

A stated truth loses its grace, but a repeated error appears insipid and ridiculous.

Nothing is more damaging to the truth than an old error.

Truth is a torch but a tremendous one. That is why we hurry past it, shielding our eyes, indeed, in fear of getting burned.

The main thing is to have a soul that loves the truth and harbours it where he finds it. And another thing: truth requires constant repetition, because error is being preached about us all the time, and not only by isolated individuals but by the masses. In the newspapers and encyclopedias, in schools and universities, everywhere error rides high and basks in the consciousness of having the majority on its side.

The most foolish of all errors is for clever young men to believe that they forfeit their originality in recognizing a truth which has already been recognized by others.

It is not always needful for truth to take a definite shape; it is enough if it hovers about us like a spirit and produces harmony; if it is wafted through the air like the sound of a bell, grave and kindly.

It is as certain as it is strange that truth and error come from one and the same source. Thus it is that we are often not at liberty to do violence to error, because at the same time we do violence to truth.

A man avails himself of the truth so long as it is serviceable; but he seizes on what is false with a passionate eloquence as soon as he can make a momentary use of it.

Truth has to be repeated constantly, because Error also is being preached all the time, and not just by a few, but by the multitude. In the Press and Encyclopaedias, in Schools and Universities, everywhere Error holds sway, feeling happy and comfortable in the knowledge of having Majority on its side.

One must keep repeating the Truth.

Truth is a torch, but a huge one, and so it is only with blinking eyes what we all of us try to get past it, in actual terror of being burnt.

Let there be truth between us.

The brilliant passes, like the dew at morn; The true endures, for ages yet unborn.