JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER QUOTES III

Swiss poet & physiognomist (1741-1801)

Who knows whence he comes, where he is, and whither he tends, he, and he alone, is wise.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

Aphorisms on Man

Tags: wisdom


A single spark of occasion discharges the child of passions into a thousand crackers of desire.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

Aphorisms on Man

Tags: passion


The immoderate cannot laugh moderately.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

Aphorisms on Man

Tags: laughter


The quicker, the louder, the applause with which another tries to gain you over to his purpose--the bitterer his censure if he miss his aim.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

Aphorisms on Man


If you see one cold and vehement at the same time, set him down for a fanatic.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

Aphorisms on Man


The more unharmonious and inconsistent your objects of desire, the more inconsequent, inconstant, unquiet, the more ignoble, idiotical, and criminal yourself.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

Aphorisms on Man

Tags: desire


True genius repeats itself forever, and never repeats itself--one ever varied sense beams novelty and unity on all.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

Aphorisms on Man

Tags: genius


Who despises all that is despicable is made to be impressed with all that is grand.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

Aphorisms on Man


He scatters enjoyment who can enjoy much.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

Aphorisms on Man


Him, who incessantly laughs in the street, you may commonly hear grumbling in his closet.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

Aphorisms on Man


The acquisition of will, for one thing exclusively, presupposes entire acquaintance with many others.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

Aphorisms on Man


Dread more the blunderer's friendship than the calumniator's enmity.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

Aphorisms on Man


Who in the same given time can produce more than many others, has vigour; who can produce more and better, has talents; who can produce what none else can, has genius.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

Aphorisms on Man

Tags: genius


Who recollects distinctly his past adventures, knows his destiny to come.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

Aphorisms on Man

Tags: past


There 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. A beautiful smile is to the female countenance what the sunbeam is to the landscape; it embellishes an inferior face and redeems an ugly one.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

attributed, Day's Collacon

Tags: smiling


The wrath that on conviction subsides into mildness, is the wrath of a generous mind.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

Aphorisms on Man

Tags: anger


What affects useless singularities has surely a little mind.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

Aphorisms on Man


Wishes run over in loquacious impotence, will presses on with laconic energy.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

Aphorisms on Man

Tags: willpower


Three things characterize man: person, fate, merit--the harmony of these constitutes real grandeur.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

Aphorisms on Man


Trust not him with your secrets, who, when left alone in your room, turns over your papers.

JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER

Aphorisms on Man

Tags: secrets