Skip to content

Employed Quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“There are but two roads that lead to an important goal and to the doing of great things: strength and perseverance. Strength is the lot of but a few privileged men; but austere perseverance, harsh and continuous, may be employed by the smallest of us and rarely fails of its purpose, for its silent…” quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Download Open image
“There are but two roads that lead to an important goal and to the doing of great things: strength and perseverance. Strength is the lot of but a few privileged men; but austere perseverance, harsh and continuous, may be employed by the smallest of us and rarely fails of its purpose, for its silent power grows irresistibly greater with time.”

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

About This Quote

Source Book: Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1808

Great achievements require either innate strength or relentless perseverance; the latter can be cultivated by anyone and grows stronger over time.

In simple terms: Success needs strength or perseverance; perseverance can be learned and grows.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate steady perseverance.

Themes

determination effort achievement

Mood

motivational reflective

Type

inspirational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal goals
  • career advancement
  • academic study
  • creative projects
  • physical training

Key Concepts

psychology growth mindset resilience

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you build perseverance in daily habits?
  • When does strength become essential?
A Different Perspective

Perseverance alone may not overcome structural barriers or lack of resources.

2.4 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Explore all 2,052 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe quotes

More Employed quotes

Browse all 606 Employed quotes