The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing / Miss Sara Sampson, Philotas, Emilia Galotti, Nathan the Wise

by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

NATHAN.

Then, Sultan, selfish men were the most prudent,

And wise, and prudent, then, would mean the same.

SALADIN.

You're proving what your speeches contradict.

You know the real interests of man:

The people know them not--have never sought

To know them. That alone can make man wise.

NATHAN.

Which every man conceives himself to be.