Johann Wolfgang von GoetheJohann Wolfgang von Goethe, (1749-1832) German writer, statesman

Famous Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Quote

“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.”

Johann Wolfgang von GoetheJohann Wolfgang von Goethe
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe


Ratings and Comments


Dick, Fort Worth

Right again. This quotation stands complete and true.

Jack, Green. OH

Knowing what? Perhaps one knows and does not choose to apply. One may know all about sex, so does this mean he must apply what he knows? And what if he is willing but lacks the opportunity. Not a very useful axiom, I say

E Archer, NYC

Yes, yes, yes ... knowing 'what', applying 'what', doing 'what' ... putting semantics aside, the message is simple: just thinking and wanting is not enough, action is required. In other words, talk is just talk.

EGL, LA
  • Reply
EGL, LA    12/26/06

Who we are we must become. Action is the only path to self actualization. You cannot just think about it for the intellectualization of anything is no substitute for direct experience.

cal, Lewisville, tx

One may think and plan, but he must be a doer as well.

Mike, Pleasant Hill

Achievers get this, but I think non-achievers might have a problem with understanding it.

jim k, austin tx

"If if's and's and buts, were candy and nuts, we'd all have a merry Christmas". Don Meridith.

Ronw13, Yachats Or

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, Substance of his quote ? A man greatly moved by the Protestant reformation. But was opposed to many of the central teachings of Christian Churches at the time. Germany being at odds with the Roman Empire, I omit the word " holy ", they bestowing upon themselves the term undeservingly so. Goethe believed he was inwardly Christian. One year before his death Goethe wrote he had the feeling that all his life he had been aspiring to qualify as one of the Hypsistarians. Hellenistic Jews. Giving reference to Acts 16:17, a Reference to the apostle Paul. " These men are the servants of the most high God." As with my line of things, being Sephardic Jew and Bedoin dissent.

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