“Go to foreign countries and you will get to know the good things one possesses at home.”
- August 28, 1749 – March 22, 1832
- German
- Poet, playwright, novelist, philosopher, politician
- His literary works “Faust” and “The Sorrows of Young Werther” had a major impact on world literature.
Quote
“Go to foreign countries and you will get to know the good things one possesses at home.”
Explanation
Goethe suggests that traveling to foreign countries helps us gain a deeper appreciation for what we already have at home. Often, we take the familiar aspects of our own culture, lifestyle, or environment for granted, but when we experience life elsewhere, we become more aware of the value of what we may have overlooked. This idea emphasizes how contrast can open our eyes to the positives of our own circumstances. Traveling exposes us to new experiences, which often make us see our own country, its customs, and its resources in a new light, helping us recognize the good and unique things we possess at home.
Historically, this idea reflects Goethe’s own experiences with travel and exploration. During the Romantic period, travel and the experience of different cultures were often seen as a way to broaden one’s understanding of the world and one’s own place within it. Goethe himself was a lover of travel and was deeply influenced by his journeys, which helped shape his worldview and literary work. He recognized that experiencing other cultures can deepen one’s understanding of what is truly valuable about one’s own culture and environment.
In modern contexts, this idea still holds true. Traveling abroad—whether for work, study, or leisure—often leads people to reflect on their own home country and to realize the advantages they may have taken for granted, from aspects of society to the natural environment or quality of life. For example, when living in another country, people often miss certain aspects of their native language, food, or the efficiency of their home country’s systems.
Goethe’s words remind us that sometimes, the best way to recognize the value of what we have is to step outside of it and gain perspective through experience. Traveling to foreign lands can help us appreciate the good things at home, enriching our understanding of what makes our own culture and environment special.
