Es ist nicht genug zu wissen, man muss auch anwenden; es ist… — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe | Printable Wall Art

“Es ist nicht genug zu wissen, man muss auch anwenden; es ist nicht genug zu wollen, man muss auch tun.”
“It is not enough to know — one must also apply it; it is not enough to want — one must also do it.”

Words by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) — German poet, novelist, and statesman.

About this quote

This statement highlights the gap between passive understanding and active execution. Goethe argues that possessing knowledge or good intentions holds little value until they are put into practice. True achievement requires deliberate effort and practical application, reminding us that knowledge without action remains incomplete, and intention without deed changes nothing in the world.

The maxim appears in Goethe's 1829 novel Wilhelm Meister's Journeyman Years and was later published in his collected aphorisms, Maxims and Reflections. It reflects Enlightenment values regarding personal development and practical wisdom.

This motivational line suits a home study or workshop, offering daily encouragement to turn plans into physical results.

What you get

An instant digital download. Choose your design and size at checkout — 18 typographic designs and 8 print sizes are available for this quote.

• Print-ready PDF with fully embedded vector type — sharp at any scale
• Exact trim size, no cropping required
• Print at home, at a local print shop, or upload to an online printer
• Instant download — no physical item is shipped

Sizes available

5" x 7" · 8" x 10" · 11" x 14" · 12" x 16" · 16" x 20" · 18" x 24" · 24" x 36" · A4 (21 x 29.7 cm)

Designs available

Atelier Serif · Quiet Garamond · Studio Left · Gallery Rule · Midnight Serif · Editorial Left Serif · Modern Sans Calm · Letterpress Caps · Poster Condensed · Manuscript Italic · Asymmetric Left · Minimal Unsigned · Charcoal Sans · Gallery Frame · Soft Serif Right · Statement Serif · Tracked Caps Unsigned · Editorial Justified

Digital product. Colours may vary slightly between screens and printers. Frames and props are not included.