
THE MAXIMS AND REFLECTIONS - OF - GOETHE - TRANSLATED BY BAILEY SAUNDERS - WITH A PREFACE - NEW YORK - THE MACMILLAN COMPANY - 1906
TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE
LIFE AND CHARACTER - I
LITERATURE AND ART
SCIENCE
NATURE: APHORISMS
INDEX
Listeners are invited into a compact museum of wisdom, where a celebrated German poet‑philosopher distills life, character, science and art into brief, striking statements. Each maxim is a polished gem, offering a punchy observation that can spark a moment of self‑examination or a fresh perspective on everyday dilemmas. The translation strives for clarity while preserving the original’s nuance, letting the listener hear the same concise power that has intrigued readers for centuries.
The accompanying notes explain why certain pieces were chosen, acknowledging that a selection is inevitable when presenting over a thousand aphorisms. Though brief, the sayings touch on timeless concerns—ambition, humility, the nature of knowledge—making them surprisingly resonant for modern ears. As you move through the collection, you’ll find prompts for quiet reflection, each one inviting you to test its relevance against your own experience.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (178K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Christine Bell and Marc D'Hooghe
Release date
2010-09-08
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1749–1832
A towering figure in German literature, this poet, novelist, and playwright also explored science, philosophy, and public life. Best known for Faust and The Sorrows of Young Werther, he left a mark far beyond his own era.
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