Who said “He is incapable of truly good action who finds not a pleasure in contemplating the good…”?

Disputed

It's credited to Johann Kaspar Lavater, but no reliable source from their lifetime has been found.

What the research foundNo reliable early source found for Johann Kaspar Lavater.

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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“He is incapable of truly good action who finds not a pleasure in contemplating the good actions of others.”
— Johann Kaspar Lavater
DisputedNo reliable early source found for Johann Kaspar Lavater. · evidencePleasure

Cite this quote

APA

“He is incapable of truly good action who finds not a pleasure in contemplating the good actions of others.” [Quotation attributed to Johann Kaspar Lavater]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/32698-he-is-incapable-of-truly-good-action-who/

MLA

“He is incapable of truly good action who finds not a pleasure in contemplating the good actions of others.” Attributed to Johann Kaspar Lavater. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/32698-he-is-incapable-of-truly-good-action-who/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“He is incapable of truly good action who finds not a pleasure in contemplating the good actions of others.” Attributed to Johann Kaspar Lavater. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/32698-he-is-incapable-of-truly-good-action-who/.

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