Gotthold Lessing
Germany
22 Jan 1729 // 15 Feb 1781
Writer / Philosopher / Dramatist
22 Jan 1729 // 15 Feb 1781
Writer / Philosopher / Dramatist
Quotes
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Know this, that every country can produce good men
When the heart dares to speak, it needs no preparation
We seldom speak of the virtue which we have, but much oftener of that which we lack
The superstition in which we were brought up never loses its power over us, even after we understand it
The most agreeable of all companions is a simple, frank man, without any high pretensions to an oppressive greatness; one who loves life, and understands the use of it; obliging alike at all hours; above all, of a golden temper and steadfast as an anchor. For such an one we gladly exchange the greatest genius, the most brilliant wit, the profoundest thinker
Resist as much as thou wilt; heaven's ways are heaven's ways
Nature intended that woman should be her masterpiece
If the advice of a fool for once happens to be good, it requires a wise man to carry it out
He who loses not his senses in certain things has no senses to lose
A single grateful thought towards heaven is the most perfect prayer
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On Anger: "For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind."
Essays
Essays
On Destiny: "Our destiny exercises its influence over us even when, as yet, we have not learned its nature: it is our future that lays down the law of our today."
Human, All Too Human
Human, All Too Human
On Friendship: "A crowd is not company; and faces are but a gallery of pictures; and talk but a tinkling cymbal, where there is no love."
Essays
Essays