Jean Paul Richter

A timid person is frightened before a danger, a coward during the time, and a courageous person afterwards.

No one is more profoundly sad than he who laughs too much.

Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good; try to use ordinary situations.

Never part without loving words to think of during your absence. It may be that you will not meet again in life.

Flowers never emit so sweet and strong a fragrance as before a storm. When a storm approaches thee, be as fragrant as a sweet-smelling flower.

In later life, as in earlier, only a few persons influence the formation of our character; the multitude pass us by like a distant army. One friend, one teacher, one beloved, one club, one dining table, one work table are the means by which one's nation and the spirit of one's nation affect the individual.

A timid person is frightened before a danger, a coward during the time, and a courageous person afterward.

Only actions give life strength; only moderation gives it a charm.