Swiss poet & physiognomist (1741-1801)
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
The greatest of characters, no doubt, would be he, who, free of all trifling accidental helps, could see objects through one grand immutable medium, always at hand, and proof against illusion and time, reflecting every object in its true shape and color through all the fluctuation of things.
JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER
Aphorisms on Man
The most stormy ebullitions of passion, from blasphemy to murder, are less terrific than one single act of cool villainy.
JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER
Aphorisms on Man
He scatters enjoyment who can enjoy much.
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
Three things characterize man: person, fate, merit--the harmony of these constitutes real grandeur.
JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER
Aphorisms on Man
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
Where consequence ceases, there folly, restlessness and misery begin.
JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER
Aphorisms on Man
Who is fatal to others is so to himself.
JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER
Aphorisms on Man
He, who boldly interposes between a merciless censor and his prey, is a man of vigor: and he who, mildly wise, without wounding, convinces him of his error, commands our veneration.
JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER
Aphorisms on Man
Who will sacrifice nothing, and enjoy all, is a fool.
JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER
Aphorisms on Man
Who is respectable when thinking himself alone and free from observation will be so before the eye of all the world.
JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER
Aphorisms on Man
Avoid the eye that discovers with rapidity the bad, and is slow to see the good.
JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER
Aphorisms on Man
Act well at the moment, and you have performed a good action to all eternity.
JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER
attributed, Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers
Humility with energy is often mistaken for pride.
JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER
Aphorisms on Man
The smiles that encourage severity of judgment hide malice and insincerity.
JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER
Aphorisms on Man
Who makes quick use of the moment is a genius of prudence.
JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER
Aphorisms on Man