Quote by Johann Kaspar Lavater
Never say you know a man until you have divided an inheritance with him.
Summary
This quote suggests that one cannot truly understand or know someone until they have had to handle an inheritance or financial matters with them. By going through the process of dividing an inheritance, which often involves complex emotions, conflicting interests, and difficult decisions, one gets a deeper insight into the true character of a person. It implies that people's true nature and attitudes towards money and property can be revealed during situations where self-interest, greed, or fairness come into play. Thus, only after experiencing such circumstances can one make a more accurate judgment about someone's true character.