Any man may be in good spirits and good temper when he's well dressed. There ain't much credit in that.
Interpretation
True character is tested by how one behaves when not impeccably presented.
This quote by Charles Dickens highlights the idea that superficial appearances can give a false sense of merit. Being well-dressed and in a good mood may be easy, but it’s when one faces challenges or is stripped of outward adornments that true character is revealed, thus emphasizing the importance of inner qualities over outer appearances.
In practice
In a discussion about leadership, one might say, 'As Dickens noted, true character shines through even without the finest attire.'
I recollected one story there was in the village, how that on a certain night in the year (it might be that very night for anything I knew), all the dead people came out of the ground and sat at the heads of their own graves till morning.
A silent look of affection and regard when all other eyes are turned coldly away-the consciousness that we possess the sympathy and affection of one being when all others have deserted us-is a hold, a stay, a comfort, in the deepest affliction, which no wealth could purchase, or power bestow.
Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. I was better after I had cried, than before--more sorry, more aware of my own ingratitude, more gentle.
There are not a few among the disciples of charity who require, in their vocation, scarcely less excitement than the votaries of pleasure in theirs.
You might, from your appearance, be the wife of Lucifer,” said Miss Pross, in her breathing. “Nevertheless, you shall not get the better of me. I am an Englishwoman.
Christmas is a poor excuse every 25th of December to pick a man's pockets.
Follow not truth too near the heels, lest it dash out thy teeth.
I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken.
As from a large heap of flowers many garlands and wreaths are made, so by a mortal in this life there is much good work to be done.
I'm not alone, I'm free. I no longer have to be a credit, I don't have to be a symbol to anybody; I don't have to be a first to anybody.
One of the functions of intelligence is to take account of the dangers that come from trusting solely to the intelligence.
Those base men who speak of the secret faults of others destroy themselves like serpents that stray onto anthills.
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