Johann Kaspar Lavater
You are not very good if you are not better than your best friends imagine you to be.
Johann Kaspar LavaterThe prudent see only the difficulties, the bold only the advantages, of a great enterprise; the hero sees both; diminishes the former and makes the latter preponderate, and so conquers.
Johann Kaspar LavaterCall him wise whose actions, words, and steps are all a clear because to a clear why.
Johann Kaspar LavaterBeware of him who hates the laugh of a child.
Johann Kaspar LavaterWhat do I owe to my times, to my country, to my neighbors, to my friends? Such are the questions which a virtuous man ought often to ask himself.
Johann Kaspar LavaterHe, who cannot forgive a trespass of malice to his enemy, has never yet tasted the most sublime enjoyment of love.
Johann Kaspar LavaterWho makes quick use of the moment is a genius of prudence.
Johann Kaspar LavaterAirs of importance are the credentials of impotence.
Johann Kaspar LavaterThere are many kinds of smiles, each having a distinct character. Some announce goodness and sweetness, others betray sarcasm, bitterness and pride; some soften the countenance by their languishing tenderness, others brighten by their spiritual vivacity.
Johann Kaspar LavaterTrust him not with your secrets, who, when left alone in your room, turns over your papers.
Johann Kaspar LavaterDepend on no man, on no friend but him who can depend on himself. He only who acts conscientiously toward himself, will act so toward others.
Johann Kaspar LavaterHave you ever seen a pedant with a warm heart?
Johann Kaspar LavaterIf you wish to appear agreeable in society, you must consent to be taught many things which you know already.
Johann Kaspar LavaterWho in the same given time can produce more than others has vigor; who can produce more and better, has talents; who can produce what none else can, has genius.
Johann Kaspar LavaterDon't speak evil of someone if you don't know for certain, and if you do know ask yourself, why am I telling it?
Johann Kaspar LavaterAction, looks, words, steps, form the alphabet by which you may spell character.
Johann Kaspar LavaterHe who seldom speaks, and with one calm well-timed word can strike dumb the loquacious, is a genius or a hero.
Johann Kaspar LavaterMistrust the person who finds everything good, and the person who finds everything evil, and mistrust even more the person who is indifferent to everything.
Johann Kaspar LavaterA sneer is often the sign of heartless malignity.
Johann Kaspar LavaterIt is a poor wit who lives by borrowing the words, decisions, inventions and actions of others.
Johann Kaspar Lavater