Appearance too often takes the place of reality - the stamp of the coin is there, and the glitter of the gold, but, after all, it is but a worthless wash. Sham is carried into every department of life, and we are being corrupted by show and surface. We are too apt to judge people by what they have, rather than by what they are; we have too few Hamlets who are bold enough to proclaim, 'I know not seem!'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Superficial appearances often hide a lack of substance, leading to corruption in how we judge others.
- In plain terms
- Looks often hide the truth and corrupt us.
- What can you take from it?
- Judge people by character, not possessions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How often do we mistake show for substance?
- What would it mean to live without pretense?
Another view
Sometimes appearance is the only available metric for quick decisions.
More from William Jennings Bryan
In war, science has proven itself an evil genius; it has made war more terrible than it ever was before. Man used to be content to slaughter his fellowmen on a…
Permalink to quote #8 If we delight in gossip, and are not content unless each neighbor is laid upon the dissecting table, we form a character unenviable indeed, and must be willing…
Permalink to quote #10 Science is a magnificent force, but it is not a teacher of morals. It can perfect machinery, but it adds no moral restraints to protect society from the misuse…
Permalink to quote #7
Related quotes
Appearance rules the world.
Friedrich von SchillerFriedrich von Schiller quote #96 We live, after all, in a world where illusions are sacred and truth profane.
Tariq AliTariq Ali quote #2 The whole concept of this band is to present the ugly truth about society - warts and all, and let the chips fall where they may.
Marilyn MansonMarilyn Manson quote #3