To -----

Wouldst thou teach me the truth? Don't take the trouble! I wish not,
Through thee, the thing to observe, but to see thee through the thing.

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

The Playing Infant.

Friedrich Schiller, Simple Poetry

Human Knowledge.

Friedrich Schiller, Simple Poetry

Amalia.

Friedrich Schiller, Simple Poetry

The Favor Of The Moment.

Friedrich Schiller, Simple Poetry

English

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To -----

Tell me all that thou knowest, and I will thankfully hear it!
But wouldst thou give me thyself, let me, my friend, be excused!

Friedrich Schiller

To -----

Thee would I choose as my teacher and friend. Thy living example
Teaches me, thy teaching word wakens my heart unto life.

Friedrich Schiller

The Key.

Wouldst thou know thyself, observe the actions of others.
Wouldst thou other men know, look thou within thine own heart.

Friedrich Schiller

The Agreement.

Both of us seek for truth in the world without thou dost seek it,
I in the bosom within; both of us therefore succeed.
If the eye be healthy, it sees from without the Creator;
And if the heart, then within doubtless it mirrors the world.

Friedrich Schiller

The Inquirers.

Men now seek to explore each thing from within and without too!
How canst thou make thy escape, Truth, from their eager pursuit?
That they may catch thee, with nets and poles extended they seek thee
But with a spirit-like tread, glidest thou out of the throng.

Friedrich Schiller

Genius.

"Do I believe," sayest thou, "what the masters of wisdom would teach me,
And what their followers' band boldly and readily swear?
Cannot I ever attain to true peace, excepting through knowledge,
Or is the system upheld only by fortune and law?
Must I distrust the gently-warning impulse, the precept
That thou, Nature, thyself hast in my bosom impressed,
Till the schools have affixed to the writ eternal their signet,
Till a mere formula's chain binds down the fugitive soul?
Answer me, then! for thou hast down into these deeps e'en descended,
Out of the mouldering grave thou didst uninjured return.
Is't to thee known what within the tomb of obscure works is hidden,
Whether, yon mummies amid, life's consolations can dwell?
Must I travel the darksome road? The thought makes me tremble...

Friedrich Schiller