“In the realm of ideas everything depends on enthusiasm… in the real world all rests on perseverance.”
- 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
“In the realm of ideas everything depends on enthusiasm… in the real world all rests on perseverance.”
Explanation
Goethe draws a distinction between the power of enthusiasm in the realm of ideas and the necessity of perseverance in turning those ideas into reality. While enthusiasm fuels creativity and sparks the initial drive to pursue a goal, it is perseverance—the steady, consistent effort over time—that ultimately leads to success in the real world. This quote underscores the importance of not only having passion but also the endurance to see things through, even when obstacles arise.
Historically, this concept mirrors the Enlightenment and Romantic ideals, which emphasized the power of vision and individual creativity, but also recognized that bringing ideas to fruition required practical effort. Goethe himself was a man of both intellect and action, who demonstrated both the enthusiasm for new ideas and the perseverance to complete monumental works in literature and science.
In the modern world, this message remains highly relevant. For instance, the creation of innovative technologies or the rise of successful business ventures often starts with passionate ideas, but it is the perseverance of the people behind these ventures that turns ideas into lasting achievements. Steve Jobs, for example, was known for his visionary ideas, but it was his persistence and ability to overcome setbacks that helped him transform the tech world. Similarly, authors often face multiple rejections before their work is published, and it’s their perseverance that eventually brings their ideas to the public.
Goethe’s words remind us that while enthusiasm is essential for sparking inspiration, it is the combination of consistent effort and resilience that allows us to transform our ideas into reality.
