German poet and philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) was born on this day in Frankfurt. One of the great masters of world literature, he wrote as the French Revolution raged, becoming one of Europe's most celebrated writers.

"Once you have missed the first buttonhole," he said, "you’ll never manage to button up."

Well-educated, from a wealthy family, the versatile genius had a degree in law and was an expert in politics and scientific research, studying botany, optics, geology, and meteorology.

Throughout his life, he harnessed greatness and earned continued respect from his peers. About fame he said, "The deed is everything, the glory is naught."

For 50 years, Goethe worked on the epic poem Faust, the classic tale of a man making a pact with Satan to sign over his soul for power, pleasure, and knowledge. Goethe became fascinated by the tale in his early twenties, sympathizing with the hero.

Writing Faust was something he always found his way back to, and the story evolved as Goethe lived, until he finally finished the second volume of the drama just a few months before his death.

"Love and desire," he wrote, "are the spirit's wings to great deeds."

More GOETHE Quotations

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