Maxims and ReflectionsBy: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Throughout his long, hectic and astonishingly varied life, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (17491832) would jot down his passing thoughts on theatre programmes, visiting cards, draft manuscripts and even bills Goethe was probably the last true Renaissance Man. Although employed as a Privy Councillor at the Duke of Weimars court, where he helped oversee major mining, road building and irrigation projects, he also painted,