Nov 15, 1741 - Jan 2, 1801
Swiss writer, theologian and poet, wrote in German.
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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.
To know yourself you have only to set down a true statement of those that ever loved or hated you.
He can feel no little wants who is in pursuit of grandeur.
Trust him not with your secrets, who, when left alone in your room, turns over your papers.
Stubbornness is the strength of the weak.
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.
You may depend upon it that he is a good man whose intimate friends are all good, and whose enemies are decidedly bad.
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.
The public seldom forgive twice.
He knows very little of mankind who expects, by any facts or reasoning, to convince a determined party man.
Neatness begets order; but from order to taste there is the same difference as from taste to genius, or from love to friendship.
There are three classes of men; the retrograde, the stationary and the progressive.
Mistrust the person who finds everything good, and the person who finds everything evil, and mistrust even more the person who is indifferent to everything.
He is incapable of truly good action who finds not a pleasure in contemplating the good actions of others.
The great rule of moral conduct is next to God, respect time.
He who seldom speaks, and with one calm well-timed word can strike dumb the loquacious, is a genius or a hero.
Airs of importance are the credentials of impotence.
Who makes quick use of the moment is a genius of prudence.
He submits to be seen through a microscope, who suffers himself to be caught in a fit of passion.
The jealous are possessed by a mad devil and a dull spirit at the same time.
Beware of him who hates the laugh of a child.
Him, who incessantly laughs in the street, you may commonly hear grumbling in his closet.
Never say you know a man until you have divided an inheritance with him.
Have you ever seen a pedant with a warm heart?
Intuition is the clear concept of the whole at once.
Say not you know another entirely till you have divided an inheritance with him.
Let none turn over books, or roam the stars in quest of God, who sees him not in man.
If you see one cold and vehement at the same time, set him down for a fanatic.
Who has a daring eye tell downright truths and downright lies.
Genius always gives its best at first; prudence, at last.
