While my students and I were discussing Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Faust today, this quote from the play jumped out at me. Originally written in German, it loses nothing in translation. (At least I don’t think it loses anything—but I don’t know German!)

Note the parallel structures, balance, and complete thought in a succinct sentence. These elements of form allow us the freedom to enjoy the profound content.

“A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart.”

Wow. Challenge accepted.