“We don’t get to know people when they come to us; we must go to them to find out what they are like.”
- 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
“We don’t get to know people when they come to us; we must go to them to find out what they are like.”
Explanation
Goethe emphasizes that true understanding of others comes from actively engaging with them, rather than waiting for them to come to us. Simply having people come to us doesn’t provide the full picture of who they are, as we only see a limited or filtered version of them in that context. To truly know someone, we must make the effort to meet them where they are, to experience them in their own environment or context. This requires empathy, curiosity, and a willingness to step outside our own comfort zones. By approaching others on their own terms, we gain a deeper and more authentic understanding of their true nature and personality.
Historically, this idea reflects Goethe’s understanding of human connection and the complexity of individuals. During the Romantic period, there was a deep interest in the idea that people’s true selves could only be understood through experience and interaction, rather than superficial judgments or assumptions. Goethe, with his philosophical views, would have recognized that to truly understand someone, one must be willing to step into their world and see them through their perspective, not just our own.
In modern contexts, this idea is highly relevant in the way we form relationships and build empathy in both personal and professional settings. In today’s world of digital communication and social media, it’s easy to form misunderstandings or superficial impressions of others based on limited interaction. True understanding, however, requires us to make a concerted effort to connect with others in a meaningful and authentic way. Whether it’s through face-to-face conversations, cultural exchanges, or spending quality time together, we must make the effort to step outside our own perspectives to truly understand and appreciate others.
Goethe’s words remind us that genuine relationships are built through active engagement and understanding. To truly know someone, we must be willing to meet them in their world and see them as they truly are, beyond the surface or initial impressions.
