Surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of a man he is? Surely what pops out before the man has time to put on a disguise is the truth? If there are rats in a cellar you are most likely to see them if you go in very suddenly. But the suddenness does not create the rats: it only prevents them from hiding. In the same way the suddenness of the provocation does not make me an ill-tempered man; it only shows me what an ill-tempered man I am. The rats are always there in the cellar, but if you go in shouting and noisily they will have taken cover before you switch on the light.

Summary

This quote by C.S. Lewis suggests that a person's true character is revealed when they are caught off guard or facing unexpected situations and challenges. It implies that people can hide or disguise their true nature when given enough time, but when they are exposed suddenly, their genuine thoughts, feelings, and responses come to light. Using the analogy of rats in a cellar, Lewis argues that the suddenness does not create the rats, but rather exposes their presence. Similarly, the sudden provocation does not make someone ill-tempered; it merely reveals their existing disposition. The quote highlights the importance of observing someone's genuine behavior in unguarded moments to gain insight into their true nature.

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