277 Quotes by Johann Kaspar Lavater

Evasions are the common shelter of the hard-hearted, the false and impotent when called upon to assist; the really great alone plan instantaneous help, even when their looks or words presage difficulties.

Receive no satisfaction for premeditated impertinence; forget it, forgive it, but keep him inexorably at a distance who offered it.

Calmness of will is a sign of grandeur.

Who, in the midst of just provocation to anger, instantly finds the fit word which settles all around him in silence is more than wise or just; he is, were he a beggar, of more than royal blood, he is of celestial descent.

Superstition always inspires littleness, religion grandeur of mind; the superstitious raises beings inferior to himself to deities.

Not every one who has the gift of speech understands the value of silence.

Vanity and rudeness are seldom seen together.

Thinkers are as scarce as gold.

Neither refinement nor delicacy is indispensable to produce elegance.