Wer nie sein Brot mit Tränen aß, wer nie die kummervollen Nächte… — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe | Printable Wall Art

“Wer nie sein Brot mit Tränen aß, wer nie die kummervollen Nächte auf seinem Bette weinend saß, der kennt euch nicht, ihr himmlischen Mächte.”
“Whoever never ate his bread with tears, whoever never sat weeping through sorrowful nights upon his bed, knows you not, you heavenly powers.”

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

About this quote

These lines suggest that profound life wisdom and a true understanding of higher powers come only through suffering. Eating one's bread in tears symbolises enduring deep sorrow while continuing daily life. Goethe implies that grief is not merely a trial, but a necessary passage for reaching genuine spiritual awareness and humility.

This verse comes from Goethe's 1795 novel Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship. It is sung by the Harper, a tragic character whose melancholic songs reflect his deep inner torment and isolation.

People often hang this in a quiet study or bedroom as a comforting reminder during difficult times.

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

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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

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