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About this quote

What does it mean?
Death reveals the truth about people's character that was visible in their expressions.
In plain terms
When someone dies, you see their true nature in their face.
What can you take from it?
True character shows even in death.

Where it applies

  • mourning
  • judging others
  • life reflection

Putting it to work

  • observe behavior closely
  • reflect on legacy

Questions to consider

  • What does a person's face reveal?
  • How do we judge character?

Another view

Expressions can be misleading at any time.

More from Samuel Johnson

  1. This world, where much is to be done and little to be known.

    Permalink to quote #19
  2. He who praises everybody praises nobody.

    Permalink to quote #21
  3. Every man naturally persuades himself that he can keep his resolutions, nor is he convinced of his imbecility but by length of time and frequency of experiment.

    Permalink to quote #18

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