Maxims and Reflections

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

2018년 4월 · Otbebookpublishing

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Thoughts and quips from Germany's most prolific polymath - 590 in all - plus a bonus section of wonderful reflections on Mother Nature. Also features critiques on writers from Kalidas to Shakespeare. (Goodreads)

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Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) stands as a towering figure in world literature, whose works and ideas transcended the confines of his native Germany to influence the entire Western canon. Born in Frankfurt to a well-to-do family, Goethe's early exposure to literature, art, and science set the stage for a life marked by intellectual curiosity and creative genius.Goethe's literary contributions are vast and varied, encompassing poetry, drama, novels, and scientific treatises. His magnum opus, "Faust," a dramatic exploration of ambition, desire, and redemption, remains a cornerstone of Western literature. Goethe's poetry, characterized by its emotional depth and lyrical beauty, has inspired countless poets and writers, including the likes of Percy Bysshe Shelley and Walt Whitman.A man of the Enlightenment, Goethe was deeply engaged with the scientific and philosophical currents of his time. His work in color theory and his botanical studies showcased his polymathic interests and his belief in the interconnectedness of all knowledge. Goethe's revolutionary ideas about individualism, nature, and the human spirit resonated with the burgeoning Romantic movement, influencing contemporaries such as Friedrich Schiller and later figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson.Not without controversy, Goethe's relationships and political stances often sparked debate. His liaison with Charlotte von Stein, a married woman, and his later relationship with the much younger Christiane Vulpius, whom he eventually married, challenged societal norms. Politically, his pragmatic approach to governance and his service at the Weimar court contrasted with the more radical revolutionary fervor of his age.Goethe's legacy endures not only through his literary masterpieces but also through his profound impact on the cultural and intellectual landscape of his time, making him a figure of enduring fascination for modern readers.