The Sorrows of Young Werther

by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The human race is but a monotonous affair. Most of them labour the greater part of their time for mere subsistence; and the scanty portion of freedom which remains to them so troubles them that they use every exertion to get rid of it. Oh, the destiny of man!

We should deal with children as God deals with us,—we are happiest under the influence of innocent delusions.

I must love him for the respect with which he treats her.

Nothing in the world can be more absurd than our connection, and yet the thought of it often moves me to tears.

nosegay,

It is much easier to die than to bear a life of misery with fortitude.”

My good friend, if resistance be strength, how can the highest degree of resistance be a weakness?”

The question, therefore, is, not whether a man is strong or weak, but whether he is able to endure the measure of his sufferings.