In 1784, during his Italian Journey, Goethe discovered the well-preserved skull of an extinct whale in a rock stratum. His observation led him to theorize that these creatures had once lived in the area, which implied that the land had once been the ocean floor. His findings and interpretations were early contributions to the development of the science of paleontology and the understanding of geological time and changes. This was remarkable given the era in which he lived, as the concept of "deep time" and the idea of extinct species only started to gain widespread acceptance in scientific communities later in the 19th century.

His novel, "The Sorrows of Young Werther," became a cultural sensation in Europe and was associated with the Sturm und Drang literary movement. However, it is "Faust" that remains his magnum opus. "Faust" is considered one of the greatest works of German literature and has inspired countless adaptations and discussions.

Alongside Friedrich Schiller, Goethe established Weimar Classicism, a cultural and literary movement that combined aesthetics from ancient Greece and the Enlightenment era. His most notable scientific work is the "Theory of Colours," where he explored the nature of color from a perspective that differed from Isaac Newton's established theories. He was one of the key figures of the German Romantic period, shaping this era's philosophical and cultural ethos.

I had no idea. I had to read The Sorrows (translated as sufferings when I read it) Of Young Werther in college, but we learned nothing about this.