As Soon as You Trust Yourself, You Will Know How to Live — Life Lessons From Goethe’s Faust

In literature, few works have captivated the human spirit and explored the intricacies of existence quite like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s masterpiece, Faust.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a German poet, playwright, novelist and scientist. He is considered one of the most influential figures in German literature and culture.

Goethe’s “Faust” is a complex and profound work that explores themes of ambition, good and evil, knowledge and power, the meaning of life, morality, and the human condition.

In Faust, Goethe weaves a tale of ambition, desire, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, inviting readers to question the very essence of their own lives.

Yet, beyond the poetic verses and timeless drama lies a profound lesson, echoing through the ages: “As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.”

In the play, Faust is a scholar who becomes dissatisfied with his life but embarks on a relentless quest for knowledge and experiences, hoping to find ultimate fulfilment and meaning in life.

Throughout the play, Faust wrestles with his desires, ambitions, and the consequences of his actions. He seeks knowledge, pleasure, and life satisfaction but often finds himself disillusioned and dissatisfied.

“Whatever is the lot of humankind I want to taste within my deepest self.

I want to seize the highest and the lowest, to load its woe and bliss upon my breast, and thus expand my single self titanically and in the end go down with all the rest,” Goethe writes.

The quote reflects Faust’s realization that true wisdom and a meaningful existence can only be attained through self-trust.

Faust learns that by trusting himself, his own judgment, and his instincts, he gains a deeper understanding of how to navigate life’s complexities and find his purpose.

The quote also encapsulates the idea that self-belief and self-reliance are crucial in finding personal fulfilment and living a purposeful life.

The quote, “As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live”, was a pivotal moment of self-realization for Faust.

Throughout the play, Faust struggles with self-doubt, moral dilemmas, and the consequences of his choices. However, when he finally learns to trust himself, he gains the clarity and insight necessary to live a purposeful life.

Self-trust is an essential component of personal growth and self-discovery. When you start believing in your abilities, judgments, and instincts, you can tap into your inner wisdom and make decisions aligned with your true values and aspirations.

To design your version of the good life, a measure of self-trust is required

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment,” says Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Goethe’s quote speaks to the idea that external sources of guidance or validation can only take us so far. Through developing self-trust, we can fully understand and embrace our unique path in life.

It also suggests that true wisdom and the ability to live a meaningful life come from within. When Faust learns to trust himself, he better understands his values, desires, and purpose.

Self-trust allows him to confidently navigate life’s complexities and make choices that align with his authentic self.

Faust’s journey can be seen as a metaphor for the human struggle to find meaning. It highlights the importance of introspection, self-reflection, and developing a sense of self-trust.

“A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart,” writes Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Only by trusting ourselves and our instincts can we truly know how to live in a way that is authentic and fulfilling.

“As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live,” resonates beyond the confines of the play and offers a valuable lesson for life.

It encourages us to cultivate self-trust, listen to our inner voice, and have the courage to follow our own path, even in the face of uncertainty or societal expectations. It’s the only way to find your unique way of living and create a life that is true to who you are.

Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit,” says poet, painter, essayist, author, and playwright, e. e. cummings.

In conclusion, “As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live” encapsulates a profound truth about personal growth and self-discovery.

Trusting oneself is the key that unlocks the door to a fulfilling and meaningful life. When we have confidence in our abilities, decisions, and instincts, we gain the courage to pursue our passions, embrace new opportunities, and overcome obstacles.

“The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself,” says philosopher Michel de Montaigne.

Trusting oneself is not always easy, as we often face self-doubt, fear of failure, and external pressures that challenge our belief in ourselves. However, slowly cultivate self-awareness to gradually build trust in your own capabilities.

Jane Austen was right when she said, “We have all a better guide in ourselves, if we would attend to it, than any other person can be.”

Self-trust fosters resilience in the face of adversity. It enables us to bounce back from setbacks, learn from failures, and persevere in pursuing our goals. With each challenge we overcome, our confidence in ourselves grows, further reinforcing our ability to navigate the complexities of life.

When we trust ourselves, we tap into our innate wisdom and intuition. We develop a deeper understanding of who we are, what brings us joy, and how we can contribute to the world. Trust becomes the compass that guides us towards a life of authenticity, fulfilment, and self-actualization.

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Beware of Your Shadow Self — Carl Jung

Have you ever felt like there is a part of you that you cannot fully comprehend? Or there’s a part of you that’s lurking in the shadows, waiting to take control of your life?

Carl Jung, a renowned Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, called this the “shadow self.” According to Jung, the shadow is the dark, unconscious side of our personality that we often repress or deny.

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To our common journey,

Until the next issue,

Be epic!

Thomas