Every day Quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
““Men are so inclined to content themselves with what is commonest; the spirit and the senses so easily grow dead to the impressions of the beautiful and perfect,—that every one should study, by all methods, to nourish in his mind the faculty of feeling these things. For no man can bear to be entirely deprived of such enjoyments: it is only because they are not used to taste of what is excellent that the generality of people take delight in silly and insipid things, provided they be new. For this reason," he would add, "one ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship, 1795-1796
Cultivate sensitivity to beauty and excellence daily, avoiding mundane pleasures that dull perception.
In simple terms: Seek beauty daily to keep senses alive.
Make time for art and thoughtful conversation.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- listening to music
- reading poetry
- viewing art
- engaging in meaningful dialogue
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you integrate art into a busy schedule?
- What simple habits sharpen your appreciation of beauty?
Neglecting practical duties may limit personal growth.