Friedrich Schiller Quotes

German playwright, poet, philosopher and historian1759–1805 10 quotes

Friedrich Schiller was a German playwright, poet, philosopher and historian, considered one of Germany's most important classical playwrights and one of the leading figures of the Sturm und Drang movement.

Born in Marbach to a devoutly Lutheran family, he was first intended for the priesthood but entered a military academy in Stuttgart in 1773 and ended up studying medicine. His first play, The Robbers, written during this time, was very successful. After a brief period as a regimental doctor he left Stuttgart and eventually settled in Weimar. In 1789 he became professor of history and philosophy at the University of Jena. During the last seventeen years of his life he had a productive friendship with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Wilhelm Tell is his most quoted work in our library.
Most quoted works
  • Wilhelm Tell 2
German playwright, poet, philosopher and historian

To save all we must risk all.

— Fiesco; or, the Genoese Conspiracy

German playwright, poet, philosopher and historian

When the mechanic has to mend a watch he lets the wheels run out; but the living watchworks of the state have to be repaired while they act, and a wheel has to be exchanged for another during its revolutions.

— On the Aesthetic Education of Man

German playwright, poet, philosopher and historian

The voice of the majority is no proof of justice

— Maria Stuart

German playwright, poet, philosopher and historian

Oh how can we, scarce mastering our passions, expect that youth should keep itself in check?

— Wilhelm Tell

German playwright, poet, philosopher and historian

The man of courage thinks not of himself. Help the oppressed and put thy trust in God.

— Wilhelm Tell

German playwright, poet, philosopher and historian

The joke loses everything when the joker laughs himself.

— Die Verschwörung des Fiesco zu Genua