277 Quotes by Johann Kaspar Lavater

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 colour through all the fluctuation of things.

Defeat serves to enlighten us.

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

Kiss the hand of him who can renounce what he has publicly taught, when convicted of his error; and who, with heartfelt joy, embraces the truth, though with the sacrifice of favorite opinions.

The jealous are possessed by a mad devil and a dull spirit at the same time.

The craftiest trickery are too short and ragged a cloak to cover a bad heart.

Words are the wings of actions.

Who 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.

He who can at all times sacrifice pleasure to duty approaches sublimity.