Goethe: If a young man is hated by everyone, he must represent something significant.
Goethe: If a young man is hated by everyone, he must represent something significant.
This quote by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe suggests that if a young man finds himself universally disliked, it may indicate that he embodies important ideas or ideals that challenge the status quo. Rather than viewing hatred as a negative reflection of his character, Goethe implies that such strong feelings can arise from the young man’s courage to stand out, provoke thought, or represent controversial beliefs. In this context, the quote speaks to the notion that significance often attracts both admiration and animosity, highlighting the complex relationship between individuality, social acceptance, and the power of ideas.
Author: Goethe