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Johann Kaspar Lavater Quotes

(1741-1801) theologian, mystic, and poet

He who reforms himself, has done more toward reforming the public, than a crowd of noisy, impotent patriots.

He knows very little of mankind who expects, by any facts or reasoning, to convince a determined party-man.

How few our real wants, and how vast our imaginary ones!

Who partakes in another’s joys is a more humane character than he who partakes in his griefs.

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 vivac.

He who has not forgiven an enemy has not yet tasted one of the most sublime enjoyments of life.

He, who cannot forgive a trespass of malice to his enemy, has never yet tasted the most sublime enjoyment of love.

Don’t speak evil of someone if you don’t know for certain—and if you do know, ask yourself, why am I telling it?

If you wish to appear agreeable in society, you must consent to be taught many things which you know already.

Act well at the moment, and you have performed a good action to all eternity.

Be assured those will be thy worst enemies, not to whom thou hast done evil, but who have done evil to thee. And those will be thy best friends, not to whom thou hast done good, but who have done good to thee.

Be certain that he who has betrayed thee once will betray thee again.

Beware of him who hates the laugh of a child.

Fools learn nothing from wise men, but wise men learn much from fools.

Say not you know another entirely, till you have divided an inheritance with him.

She whom smiles and tears make equally lovely may command all hearts.

The more honesty a man has, the less he affects the air of a saint.

Trust not him with your secrets, who, when left alone in the/your room, turns over your papers. (Aphorisms on Man)

If you wish to appear agreeable in society, you must consent to be taught many things which you know already.