The Classic Pamela Positive: \”What Is My Life If I Am No Longer Useful to Others\” – Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

\”What is my life if I am no longer useful to others?\” 

— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

German Writer and Statesman

If you have ever lacked purpose, or feel out of alignment, know your life has purpose.  You don\’t have to wait to find it.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is one of our most renowned writers, philosophers, and literary creators. He came from a wealthy family; he didn\’t need to do a lot if he didn\’t want to.  But he used his skills to create literature that made us think.  Additionally, top leaders of the day came to him to hear his thoughts, which were profound and inspirational. So not only did he create excellent works of literary art, but he also engaged world leaders with his deep thinking. They became better people, because of him. They sought him out for his thoughts.

We can learn from Goethe. The whole purpose of Life, and your life, is to bring some sort of goodness to the world.

Yes, it\’s that simple. You might get a Ph.D.

and profoundly change how renewable energy powers our communities.

But you might also simply smile peacefully

and joyously to all that come your way.

Both change the world.  One is immediate, one is long-term.

The point is your life can and must be useful to others.

Stop the boredom, the frustration, the hurt. Your life is needed now. Give your smile and devote your life to doing good. Goethe got it right!

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Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was one of the rare giants of world literature. Throughout a long and full life, he demonstrated his prolific genius in many different areas. Goethe was born August 28, 1749, in Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany, to a wealthy, middle-class family. He was educated at home by his father and tutors until he went to Leipzig to study law. Following his university graduation, Goethe returned to Frankfurt. His mind was filled with many exciting ideas, and he devoted himself to philosophical studies. It was here that he wrote his first important metrical drama and then the superb short novel. These aroused widespread interest and admiration.

On his return to Germany Goethe lived in a state of semi-retirement and concentrated on his studies, writing and cultivate his wide interests. In 1806 Goethe married a woman who was his mistress for many years, and had a son in 1789. As the years passed he became acquainted with many of the most prominent men of his time and was highly regarded by all. Napoleon Bonaparte was among his most famous admirers and remarked when they first met, \”Vous êtes un homme,\” (You are a man). By the time of his death, Goethe had attained a position of unprecedented esteem in the literary and intellectual circles. Because of the breadth of his thought, his comprehension of human nature and optimistic faith in the human spirit, and his intuitive grasp of universal truths, Goethe is regarded by many as the outstanding poet of the modern world. He died March 22, 1832, but his work lives in its meaning and value for modern day readers.

Bio Source: Wikipedia  Fig¹. Photo by Wikimedia Commons Fig².  Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplush   Fig³. Photo by Warren Wong on Unsplash

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