One cannot develop taste from what is of average quality but only from the very best

One cannot develop taste from what is of average quality but only from the very best

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the renowned German writer, poet, and philosopher, is often considered one of the greatest literary figures in history. His works, including "Faust," "The Sorrows of Young Werther," and "Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship," have had a profound impact on literature and culture. Goethe's writings are known for their depth, complexity, and beauty, and they continue to be studied and admired by readers and scholars around the world.

In the context of Goethe's work and philosophy, the idea that "one cannot develop taste from what is of average quality but only from the very best" holds particular significance. Goethe believed in the importance of striving for excellence and seeking out the highest quality in all aspects of life, including art, literature, and culture. He understood that true greatness could only be achieved by pushing oneself to reach the highest standards and by surrounding oneself with the best that the world has to offer.

For Goethe, developing taste was not simply a matter of personal preference or opinion; it was a process of refinement and cultivation that required exposure to the finest examples of art and literature. By immersing oneself in the works of the greatest artists and thinkers, one could learn to appreciate and understand the nuances of style, form, and expression that set them apart from the rest. In this way, one could develop a discerning eye and a refined sensibility that would enable them to recognize and appreciate true excellence when they encountered it.

Goethe's own works are a testament to his belief in the importance of striving for the highest quality. His writing is characterized by its depth, complexity, and beauty, and it continues to be studied and admired for its enduring relevance and power. By immersing oneself in the works of Goethe and other great writers, one can learn to appreciate and understand the qualities that set them apart from the rest and develop a taste for the very best that literature has to offer.