277 Quotes by Johann Kaspar Lavater

The prudent see only the difficulties, the bold only the advantages, of a great enterprise; the hero sees both; diminishes the former and makes the latter preponderate, and so conquers.

Let none turn over books, or roam the stars in quest of God, who sees him not in man.

There is no mortal truly wise and restless at once; wisdom is the repose of minds.

I am prejudiced in favor of him who, without impudence, can ask boldly. He has faith in humanity, and faith in himself. No one who is not accustomed to giving grandly can ask nobly and with boldness.

Conscience is the sentinel of virtue.

The ambitious sacrifices all to what he terms honor, as the miser all to money.

Who forces himself on others is to himself a load. Impetuous curiosity is empty and inconstant. Prying intrusion may be suspected of whatever is little.

Depend on no man, on no friend but him who can depend on himself. He only who acts conscientiously toward himself, will act so toward others.

The wrath that on conviction subsides into mildness, is the wrath of a generous mind.