Skip to content

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…” 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

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.

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.

2.1 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Explore all 2,052 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe quotes

More Death quotes

Browse all 39,127 Death quotes