All intelligent thoughts have already been thought; what is necessary is only to try to think them again

All intelligent thoughts have already been thought; what is necessary is only to try to think them again

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the renowned German writer, poet, and philosopher, was a firm believer in the power of human intellect and the importance of continuous intellectual exploration. His quote, "All intelligent thoughts have already been thought; what is necessary is only to try to think them again," reflects his belief in the timeless nature of human thought and the need for individuals to engage in critical thinking and reflection.

Throughout his life, Goethe was known for his insatiable curiosity and his relentless pursuit of knowledge. He was a polymath who excelled in various fields, including literature, science, and philosophy. His works, such as "Faust" and "The Sorrows of Young Werther," are considered masterpieces of German literature and have had a profound influence on Western culture.

In the context of his quote, Goethe is suggesting that while many intelligent thoughts have already been conceived by great minds throughout history, it is essential for individuals to revisit and reconsider these ideas in order to gain a deeper understanding of them. He believed that true intelligence lies not in coming up with entirely new ideas, but in critically examining and building upon existing knowledge.

For Goethe, the act of thinking was a creative and transformative process that allowed individuals to expand their minds and deepen their understanding of the world. He encouraged people to engage in intellectual pursuits and to constantly challenge themselves to think more deeply and critically about the world around them.