Who said “No one would talk much in society, if he knew how often he misunderstands others.”?

Verified

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceElective Affinities (1809)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Elective Affinities (1809).

APA

Goethe, J. W. V. (n.d.). No one would talk much in society, if he knew how often he misunderstands others. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/10390-no-one-would-talk-much-in-society-if/

MLA

Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von. “No one would talk much in society, if he knew how often he misunderstands others.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/10390-no-one-would-talk-much-in-society-if/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von. “No one would talk much in society, if he knew how often he misunderstands others.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/10390-no-one-would-talk-much-in-society-if/.