Skip to content

Naturalists tell of a noble race of horses that…

“Naturalists tell of a noble race of horses that instinctively open a vein with their teeth, when heated and exhausted by a long course, in order to breathe more freely. I am often tempted to open a vein, to procure for myself everlasting liberty. Cento volte ho impugnato una lama per conficcarmela…” quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Download Open image
““Naturalists tell of a noble race of horses that instinctively open a vein with their teeth, when heated and exhausted by a long course, in order to breathe more freely. I am often tempted to open a vein, to procure for myself everlasting liberty. Cento volte ho impugnato una lama per conficcarmela nel cuore. Si dice di una nobile razza i cavalli,che quando si sentono accaldati e affaticati, si aprono istintivamente una vena, per respirare più liberamente. Spesso anche io vorrei aprirmi una vena che mi desse libertà eterna.””

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker envies horses that instinctively relieve themselves to breathe, wishing for a similar release from suffering.

In simple terms: Desire for relief like horses.

Key Takeaway

Seek healthy outlets for pain.

Themes

suffering freedom instinct self‑harm

Mood

reflective somber

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • mental health crises
  • artistic expression
  • personal struggle
  • addiction recovery

Key Concepts

existentialism psychology literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • What healthier ways can you find relief?
  • Why do we compare ourselves to animals?
A Different Perspective

Romanticizing self‑harm is dangerous.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Explore all 2,052 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe quotes

More Death quotes

Browse all 39,127 Death quotes