Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

By nature we have no defect that could not become a strength, no strength that could not become a defect

By nature we have no defect that could not become a strength, no strength that could not become a defect

Properly speaking, such work is never finished; one must declare
it so when, according to time and circumstances, one read more

Properly speaking, such work is never finished; one must declare
it so when, according to time and circumstances, one has done
one's best.
[Ger., So eine Arbeit wird eigentlich nie fertig; man muss sie
fur fertig erklaren, wenn man nach Zeit und Umstand das
Moglichste getan hat.]

The church alone beyond all question
Has for ill-gotten goods the right digestion.
[Ger., Die Kirch' allein, read more

The church alone beyond all question
Has for ill-gotten goods the right digestion.
[Ger., Die Kirch' allein, meine lieben Frauen,
Kann ungerechtes Gut verdauen.]

Gifts come from above in their own peculiar forms.
[Ger., Die Gaben
Kommen von oben herab, in read more

Gifts come from above in their own peculiar forms.
[Ger., Die Gaben
Kommen von oben herab, in ihren eignen Gestalten.]

Culture which smooth the whole world licks,
Also unto the devil sticks.
[Ger., Auch die Kultur, die read more

Culture which smooth the whole world licks,
Also unto the devil sticks.
[Ger., Auch die Kultur, die alle Welt beleckt,
Hat auf den Teufel sich erstreckt.]