Romantic
writer
, best known for his humorous novels and stories.
Jean Paul was born at Wunsiedel
, in the Fichtelgebirge
mountains (Bavaria
). His father was an organist at Wunsiedel. In 1765 his father became a pastor at Joditz
near Hof
, and in 1767 at Schwarzenbach
, but he died on 25 April 1779, leaving the family in great poverty. After attending the Gymnasium at Hof, Jean Paul went in 1781 to the University of Leipzig
.
A timid person is frightened before a danger, a coward during the time, and a courageous person afterward.
Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good; try to use ordinary situations.
Flowers never emit so sweet and strong a fragrance as before a storm. When a storm approaches thee, be as fragrant as a sweet-smelling flower.
Never part without loving words to think of during your absence. It may be that you will not meet again in life.
Only actions give life strength; only moderation gives it a charm.
In later life, as in earlier, only a few persons influence the formation of our character; the multitude pass us by like a distant army. One friend, one teacher, one beloved, one club, one dining table, one work table are the means by which one's nation and the spirit of one's nation affect the individual.