He who goes round about in his requests wants commonly more than he chooses to appear to want

He who goes round about in his requests wants commonly more than he chooses to appear to want

Johann Kaspar Lavater was a Swiss poet, philosopher, and theologian known for his work in physiognomy, the study of facial features and their relation to character traits. He was also a keen observer of human behavior and psychology, often delving into the complexities of human nature in his writings.

One of Lavater's famous quotes is, "He who goes round about in his requests wants commonly more than he chooses to appear to want." This statement speaks to the idea that people often hide their true desires and intentions behind a facade of modesty or subtlety. In other words, individuals may not always be forthright about what they truly want, instead choosing to be indirect or circumspect in their requests.

Lavater believed that this tendency to obfuscate one's true desires was a common trait among people, and he saw it as a reflection of the complexities of human nature. He understood that individuals may have conflicting desires or fears that prevent them from openly expressing what they truly want. This could be due to a fear of rejection, a desire to maintain a certain image, or a lack of self-awareness about their own desires.