Schiller

Every line we carry

Each one links to its source, what it means, and the shirt in any of our looks.

1. Masters start practicing early.

   Tell says it watching his boys play with bows. Skill grows from early, steady practice. Whatever you want to master, start now.

   Wilhelm Tell 3.1, our translation from the German

2. Joined together, even the weak grow strong.

   Stauffacher urges Tell to join the alliance against the tyrant. Tell answers that the strong man is strongest alone, and the play proves both right in turn. Know when to stand alone and when to join.

   Wilhelm Tell 1.3, our translation from the German

3. The strong are strongest alone.

   Tell's reply to Stauffacher's call for unity. Some tasks need one steady person, not a committee. Learn to rely on yourself.

   Wilhelm Tell 1.3, our translation from the German

4. Overthink everything and you'll get little done.

   Tell's wife begs him not to cross the stormy lake, and this is his answer. Caution has value, but endless deliberation stalls action. Decide and move.

   Wilhelm Tell 3.1, our translation from the German

5. Life is serious. Art is joyful.

   Schiller's prologue says art plays with life's seriousness without lying about it. We need both weight and lightness. Take life seriously and still make room for play.

   Wallenstein's Camp, Prologue, our translation from the German

6. Against stupidity the gods themselves fight in vain.

   The English general Talbot says it as his army breaks against a peasant girl. Some fights cannot be won by reason. Choose your battles.

   The Maid of Orleans 3.6, our translation from the German

7. It is the spirit that builds the body.

   Wallenstein, abandoned by his generals, insists his spirit will raise a new army. Will comes first, form follows. Build the mind and the rest takes shape.

   Wallenstein's Death 3.13, our translation from the German