The Best State Constitution.

I can recognize only as such, the one that enables
Each to think what is right, but that he thinks so, cares not.

Friedrich Schiller

Friedrich Schiller was a renowned German poet, philosopher, physician, historian, and playwright. Born on November 10, 1759, in Marbach am Neckar, and passing away on May 9, 1805, in Weimar, Schiller is considered one of the most important figures in German literature. His works, including 'Ode to Joy' and 'William Tell', have left a lasting impact on Western literature and thought.

Friedrich Schiller

Fantasie To Laura.

Friedrich Schiller, Simple Poetry

The Hostage. A Ballad.

Friedrich Schiller, Simple Poetry

The Philosophies.

Friedrich Schiller, Simple Poetry

The Artifice.

Friedrich Schiller, Simple Poetry

English

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The Best State.

"How can I know the best state?"
In the way that thou know'st the best woman;
Namely, my friend, that the world ever is silent of both.

Friedrich Schiller

To Lawgivers.

Ever take it for granted, that man collectively wishes
That which is right; but take care never to think so of one!

Friedrich Schiller

The Peculiar Ideal.

What thou thinkest, belongs to all; what thou feelest, is thine only.
Wouldst thou make him thine own, feel thou the God whom thou thinkest!

Friedrich Schiller

William Tell. [59]

When hostile elements with rage resound,
And fury blindly fans war's lurid flame,
When in the strife of party quarrel drowned,
The voice of justice no regard can claim,
When crime is free, and impious hands are found
The sacred to pollute, devoid of shame,
And loose the anchor which the state maintains,
No subject there we find for joyous strains.

But when a nation, that its flocks still feeds
With calm content, nor other's wealth desires
Throws off the cruel yoke 'neath which it bleeds,
Yet, e'en in wrath, humanity admires,
And, e'en in triumph, moderation heeds,
That is immortal, and our song requires.
To show thee such an image now is mine;
Thou knowest it well, for all that's great is thine!

Friedrich Schiller

The Moral Force.

If thou feelest not the beautiful, still thou with reason canst will it;
And as a spirit canst do, that which as man thou canst not.

Friedrich Schiller

The Philosophies.

Which among the philosophies will be enduring? I know not,
But that philosophy's self ever may last is my hope.

Friedrich Schiller