Death Quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
““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.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Faust (fragment), 1808
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.
Seek healthy outlets for pain.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- mental health crises
- artistic expression
- personal struggle
- addiction recovery
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What healthier ways can you find relief?
- Why do we compare ourselves to animals?
Romanticizing self‑harm is dangerous.