13 Quotes & Sayings By Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing was a German classicist and dramatist, born in Hanover, Germany, on April 10, 1729. His father taught him to read at the age of four and encouraged his love of learning. At age fourteen he entered the University of Göttingen, where he studied arts and law and gained recognition as a scholar. He was appointed professor of Greek and Latin at the university in 1754 Read more

Lessing's reputation as a scholar earned him appointment to the Berlin Academy in 1759 and gave him access to the highest circles of society and political life. During his student years he became friends with Immanuel Kant, who introduced him to many leading intellectuals, including Voltaire and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. In 1766 he was admitted to the Vienna Academy of Sciences.

In 1773 Lessing accepted an appointment as court librarian under Frederick II, King of Prussia, which brought him prominence in European intellectual circles for his wit and sociability. He spent his final years writing plays during the years he spent with his wife in their country house at Grabow near Wittenberg. He died there on April 28, 1799.

1
The true value of man is not determined by his possession, supposed or real, of Truth, but rather by his sincere exertion to get to the Truth. It is not possession of Truth by which he extends his powers and in which his ever-growing perfectability is to be found. Possession makes one passive, indolent and proud. If God were to hold all Truth concealed in his right hand, and in his left only the steady and diligent drive for Truth, albeit with the proviso that I would always and forever err in the process, and to offer me the choice, I would with all humility take the left hand. . Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
2
The true value of a man is not determined by his possession, supposed or real, of Truth, but rather by his sincere exertion to get to the Truth. It is not possession of the Truth, but rather the pursuit of Truth by which he extends his powers and in which his ever-growing perfectibility is to be found. Possession makes one passive, indolent, and proud. Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
The true value of a man is not determined by...
3
The true value of a man is not determined by his possession, supposed or real, of Truth, but rather by his sincere exertion to get to the Truth. Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
4
Let each man say what he deems truth, and let truth itself be commended unto God. Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
5
A heretic is a man who sees with his own eyes. Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
6
The most agreeable of all companions is a simple, frank man, without any high pretensions to an oppressive greatness; one who loves life, and understands the use of it; obliging alike at all hours; above all, of a golden temper and steadfast as an anchor. For such an one we gladly exchange the greatest genius, the most brilliant wit, the profoundest thinker. Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
7
The lion is ashamed it's true when he hunts with the fox. Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
8
Yesterday I lived today I suffer tomorrow I die but I still think fondly today and tomorrow of yesterday. Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
9
A single grateful thought toward heaven is the most perfect prayer. Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
10
For me the greatest beauty always lies in the greatest clarity. Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
11
The most deadly fruit is borne by the hatred which one grafts on an extinguished friendship. Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
12
Absolute truth belongs to Thee alone. Gotthold Ephraim Lessing