The creditor whose appearance gladdens the heart of a debtor may hold his head in sunbeams and his foot on storms

The creditor whose appearance gladdens the heart of a debtor may hold his head in sunbeams and his foot on storms

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. He was a firm believer in the idea that a person's external appearance could reveal their inner nature. In this context, the quote "The creditor whose appearance gladdens the heart of a debtor may hold his head in sunbeams and his foot on storms" takes on a deeper meaning.

Lavater believed that a person's true character could be discerned through their facial expressions and body language. In the case of the creditor and debtor, the appearance of the creditor may bring joy to the debtor, but this outward display of happiness may not necessarily reflect the true intentions or nature of the creditor. The creditor may appear benevolent and kind on the surface, but underneath may be harboring ulterior motives or hidden agendas.

The image of the creditor holding his head in sunbeams suggests a sense of pride and self-assuredness, while his foot on storms symbolizes the potential for chaos and turmoil lurking beneath the surface. This duality of appearance versus reality is a central theme in Lavater's work, as he believed that true character could only be revealed through careful observation and analysis of a person's external features.