Literature is like a fire in a furnace; we borrow fire from others to ignite ourselves, then pass it on to others, so that it may be shared by all. — Flaubert
Only as people increasingly degenerate does literature fall to ruin. — Goethe
The art of art, the splendor of diction, and the radiance of literature all reside in simplicity.
No matter how you probe an excellent work, you will never reach the bottom. — Goethe
Society provides the material for literature, and literature provides the standards for society.
Literature is the reflection of social phenomena through the creative process; conversely, society is shaped by the creative influence of literature. Society provides the material for literature, and literature provides the standards for society.
Heresy is the poetry of life, so having heterodox thoughts is harmless to a poet. — Goethe
Truth and virtue are the two close friends of art. Do you wish to be a writer or a critic? First, be a person of virtue. — Diderot
If you hope for success, make perseverance your good friend, experience your advisor, caution your brother, and hope your sentry. — Edison
Literature is the family teacher of society. — Belinsky
Only great character can produce great style. — Goethe
The purpose of literature is to help people understand themselves, enhance their self-confidence, stimulate their quest for truth, struggle against vulgar behavior, discover the good in people, awaken the shame, anger, and courage in their souls, and do everything that makes people noble and strong, enabling them to animate their lives with a beautiful and holy spirit. This is my formula.