“That I be not as those are who spend the day in complaining of headache and the night in drinking the wine which gives the headache!”
- 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
“That I be not as those are who spend the day in complaining of headache and the night in drinking the wine which gives the headache!”
Explanation
Goethe humorously highlights the contradiction in behavior where people complain about the consequences of their actions but continue to engage in those very actions that bring about the problems. The example of someone complaining about a headache during the day, only to drink wine—the very cause of the headache—at night, reflects a lack of self-awareness and personal responsibility. Goethe is cautioning against this self-destructive cycle, where one’s actions contradict their desires or complaints. The quote points to the importance of taking responsibility for our choices and avoiding the repetition of harmful patterns.
Historically, this idea reflects the moral philosophy of Goethe’s time, which often emphasized the importance of self-discipline, self-awareness, and coherence between one’s words and actions. During the Enlightenment and Romantic periods, thinkers like Goethe believed that individuals should live with integrity—where their choices and complaints align with each other, and where personal responsibility plays a central role in their well-being.
In modern contexts, this idea applies to various forms of self-sabotage or addictive behavior—such as overeating, excessive drinking, or procrastination—where people may complain about the consequences of their actions but continue to engage in the same behaviors. It serves as a reminder to examine the patterns in our lives, avoid repeating destructive cycles, and make choices that align with our well-being and goals.
Goethe’s words remind us to act with self-awareness and responsibility, ensuring that our complaints and actions are aligned. Only through conscious choices can we avoid the traps of self-inflicted misery and lead a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
