Trust not him with your secrets, who, when left alone in your room, turns over your papers

Trust not him with your secrets, who, when left alone in your room, turns over your papers

Johann Kaspar Lavater was a Swiss poet, philosopher, and theologian who was known for his work on physiognomy and his belief in the importance of honesty and integrity in human relationships. One of his most famous quotes is, “Trust not him with your secrets, who, when left alone in your room, turns over your papers.” This quote speaks to the idea that true trust is built on respect for privacy and boundaries.

In the context of Lavater’s beliefs, this quote can be interpreted as a warning against those who do not respect the personal space and possessions of others. Turning over someone’s papers without their permission is a violation of their trust and a breach of their privacy. It shows a lack of respect for the individual and their boundaries, and indicates that the person cannot be trusted with sensitive information or secrets.

Lavater believed that trust was essential for building strong and meaningful relationships, and that it was based on mutual respect, honesty, and integrity. Trust is a fragile thing, easily broken by betrayal or deceit. When someone invades your privacy by going through your personal belongings, it can shatter the trust that you have in them and damage the relationship irreparably.