Maxims and ReflectionsRecommendations

Goethe was the last real 'Renaissance Man,' as far as we know. Despite working as a Privy Councilor at the Duke of Weimar's court, where he assisted in the oversight of massive mining, road-building, and irrigation projects, he also painted, directed plays, conducted anatomy, botany, and optics research, and produced masterpieces in every literary form. His 1,413 maxims and thoughts reveal not just some of his most profound views on art, ethics, literature, and natural science, but also his instantaneous reactions to books, accidental meetings, and administrative labor. They're a superb introduction to one of Europe's finest authors, with a freshness and immediacy that vividly conjures up Goethe the man.