Who said “Art is long, life short, judgment difficult, opportunity transient.”?

Verified

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

SourceWilhelm Meister's Wanderjahre (Journeyman Years) (1821–1829), Book VII Chapter IX

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Wilhelm Meister's Wanderjahre (Journeyman Years) (1821–1829), Book VII Chapter IX.

APA

Goethe, J. W. V. (n.d.). Art is long, life short, judgment difficult, opportunity transient. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/7277-art-is-long-life-short-judgment-difficult-opportunity/

MLA

Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von. “Art is long, life short, judgment difficult, opportunity transient.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/7277-art-is-long-life-short-judgment-difficult-opportunity/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von. “Art is long, life short, judgment difficult, opportunity transient.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/7277-art-is-long-life-short-judgment-difficult-opportunity/.

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