Johann Kaspar (or Caspar) Lavater (15 November 1741 – 2 January 1801) was a Swiss poet, writer, philosopher, physiognomist and theologian.
Good-humor is always a success.
He who, silent, loves to be with us - he who loves us in our silence - has touched one of the keys that ravish hearts.
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.
Trust him with none of thy individualities who is, or pretends to be, two things at once.
She neglects her heart who too closely studies her glass.
True genius repeats itself forever, and never repeats itself--one ever varied sense beams novelty and unity on all.
Whatever obscurities may involve religious tenets, humility and love constitute the essence of true religion; the humble is formed to adore, the loving to associate with eternal love.
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.
He who always prefaces his tale with laughter, is poised between impertinence and folly.
The proverbial wisdom of the populace in the street, on the roads, and in the markets instructs the ear of him who studies man more fully than a thousand rules ostentatiously displayed.
All belief that does not make us more happy, more free, more loving, more active, more calm, is, I fear, a mistaken and superstitious belief.
Man without religion is a diseased creature, who would persuade himself he is well and needs not a physician; but woman without religion is raging and monstrous.
Those who speak always and those who never speak are equally unfit for friendship. A food proportion of the talent of listening and speaking is the base of social virtues.
As man's love or hatred, so he. Love and hatred exist only personified.
Three days of uninterrupted company in a vehicle will make you better acquainted with another, than one hour's conversation with him every day for three years.
Let none turn over books, or roam the stars in quest of God, who sees him not in man.
Have you ever seen a pedant with a warm heart?
Happy the heart to whom God has given enough strength and courage to suffer for Him, to find happiness in simplicity and the happiness of others.
There is no mortal truly wise and restless at once; wisdom is the repose of minds.
The humblest star twinkles most in the darkest night.