Who said “If you wish to appear agreeable in society, you must consent to be taught many things…”?

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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“If you wish to appear agreeable in society, you must consent to be taught many things which you know already.”
— Johann Kaspar Lavater
DisputedNo reliable early source found for Johann Kaspar Lavater. · evidenceAgreement
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Cite this quote

APA

“If you wish to appear agreeable in society, you must consent to be taught many things which you know already.” [Quotation attributed to Johann Kaspar Lavater]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/6019-if-you-wish-to-appear-agreeable-in-society/

MLA

“If you wish to appear agreeable in society, you must consent to be taught many things which you know already.” Attributed to Johann Kaspar Lavater. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/6019-if-you-wish-to-appear-agreeable-in-society/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“If you wish to appear agreeable in society, you must consent to be taught many things which you know already.” Attributed to Johann Kaspar Lavater. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/6019-if-you-wish-to-appear-agreeable-in-society/.

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