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
If you see one cold and vehement at the same time, set him down for a fanatic.
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
Who begins with severity, in judging of another, ends commonly with falsehood.
JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER
Aphorisms on Man
Who despises all that is despicable is made to be impressed with all that is grand.
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
He scatters enjoyment who can enjoy much.
JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER
Aphorisms on Man
The immoderate cannot laugh moderately.
JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER
Aphorisms on Man
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
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
Dread more the blunderer's friendship than the calumniator's enmity.
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
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
Who recollects distinctly his past adventures, knows his destiny to come.
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
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
The wrath that on conviction subsides into mildness, is the wrath of a generous mind.
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
Trust not him with your secrets, who, when left alone in your room, turns over your papers.
JOHANN KASPAR LAVATER
Aphorisms on Man