Asking permission Quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
““*I treat my poor heart like a sick child, and gratify its every fancy * The human race is but a monotonous affair *and O Wilhelm, I vowed at that moment, that a maiden whom I loved, or for whom I felt the slightest attachment, never, never should waltz with any one else but with me, if I went to perdition for it! — you will understand this. *I felt as though a dagger went through my heart. * I gazed upon her rich dark eyes during these remarks, how my very soul gloated over her warm lips and fresh, glowing cheeks, how I became quite lost in the delightful meaning of her words, so much so, that I scarcely heard the actual expressions *"As long as I see those eyes open, there is no fear of my falling asleep." * I left her asking permission to visit her in the course of the day. She consented, and I went, and, since that time, sun, moon, and stars may pursue their course: I know not whether it is day or night; the whole world is nothing to me. *We should deal with children as God deals with us, we are happiest under the influence of innocent delusions””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Faust, 1808 (paraphrased excerpt)
The speaker expresses intense, almost obsessive love, equating emotional pain with physical wounds and emphasizing devotion despite moral conflict.
In simple terms: He loves passionately, feeling pain like a dagger.
Key Takeaway
Channel deep emotions construct constructive expression.
Themes
love
obsession
conflict
Mood
dramatic
poetic
Type
literary
emotional
When to use this quote
- artistic creation
- personal relationships
- emotional coping
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
romantic idealism
psychological intensity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance love and self-preservation?
- When does devotion become harmful?
A Different Perspective
Intense passion may lead to destructive behavior.
