Man spricht vergebens viel, nur zu versagen, / Der and're hört von allem nur das Nein!—In vain we speak much only to refuse; the other, of all we say, hears only the "No!" Goethe.
Man spricht vom vielen Trinken stets, / Doch nie vom vielen Durste—They make much of our drinking, but never think of our thirst. Scheffel.
Man steigt den grünen Berg des Lebens hinauf, um oben auf dem Eisberge zu sterben—We ascend the green mountain of life in order to die up there upon the glaciers. (?)
Man steigt nicht ungestraft vom Göttermahle / Herunter in den Kreis der Sterblichen—One does not descend from a banquet with the gods into a company of common mortals without suffering for it. Grillparzer.
Man supposes that he directs his life and 5 governs his actions, when his existence is irretrievably under the control of destiny. Goethe.
Man, that is born of a woman, is of few days, and full of trouble. Bible.
Man, the aristocrat amongst the animals. Heine.
Man, the little god of this world, is still ever of the same stamp, and is as whimsical as on the first day. Mephisto in Goethe.
Man the peasant is a being of more marked national character than man the educated and refined. Ruskin.
Man thee for the high endeavour, / Shun the 10 crowd's ignoble ease! / Fails the noble spirit never, / Wise to think and prompt to seize. Goethe.