Quote by Samuel Johnson
More knowledge may be gained of a man's real character by a short conversation with one of his servants than from a formal and studied narrative, begun with his pedigree and ended with his funeral.
Summary
This quote suggests that a person's true character can be better understood through a brief conversation with one of their servants, rather than through a formal and detailed account of their background and life story. It implies that observing how someone treats those in a lower societal position can reveal more about their true nature than what is portrayed in official records or public events like funerals. This quote emphasizes the importance of interactions and relationships in revealing someone's authenticity and character.