But the vicar of St. Botolph's had certainly escaped the slightest tincture of the Pharisee, and by dint of admitting to himself that he was too much as other men were, he had become remarkably unlike them in this - that he could excuse others for thinking slightly of him, and could judge impartially of their conduct even when it told against him. [from Middlemarch, a quote my mother thinks describes the kind of man my father was]

Summary

This quote from Middlemarch emphasizes the rare quality of the vicar of St. Botolph's - his ability to see himself from an unbiased perspective. Unlike most people, he can understand why others may have a slightly unfavorable opinion of him. Furthermore, he can also impartially assess their actions, even when they are to his own detriment. It demonstrates his humility and ability to evaluate himself and others without arrogance or bias. This quote is seen as descriptive of the kind of man the speaker's father was, suggesting that he possessed similar qualities.

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