Art Quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
““Medicine, and Law, and Philosophy - You've worked your way through every school, Even, God help you, Theology, And sweated at it like a fool. Why labour at it any more? You're no wiser now than you were before. You're Master of Arts, and Doctor too, And for ten years all you've been able to do Is lead your students a fearful dance Through a maze of error and ignorance. And all this misery goes to show There's nothing we can ever know. Oh yes you're brighter than all those relics, Professors and Doctors, scribblers and clerics, No doubts or scruples to trouble you, Defying hell, and the Devil too. But there's no joy in self-delusion; Your search for truth ends in confusion. Don't imagine your teaching will ever raise The minds of men or change their ways. And as for worldly wealth, you have none - What honour or glory have you won? A dog could stand this life no more. And so I've turned to magic lore; The spirit message of this art Some secret knowledge might impart. No longer shall I sweat to teach What always lay beyond my reach; I'll know what makes the world revolve, Its mysteries resolve, No more in empty words I'll deal - Creation's wellsprings I'll reveal!””
About This Quote
Source Play: Faust, Part I, 1808
The speaker criticizes scholars who amass knowledge without wisdom, suggesting true understanding lies beyond formal study and can be found through deeper, perhaps mystical insight.
In simple terms: Learning without insight is futile; seek deeper truth.
Pursue insight over mere knowledge.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- university teaching
- philosophical debate
- personal crisis
- search for meaning
- magical practice
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does true wisdom look like beyond books?
- Can mysticism replace scholarly study?
Formal education may not provide ultimate answers; experiential insight required.