One cannot demand of a scholar that he show himself a scholar everywhere in society, but the whole tenor of his behavior must none the less betray the thinker, he must always be instructive, his way of judging a thing must even in the smallest matters be such that people can see what it will amount to when, quietly and self-collected, he puts this power to scholarly use.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the expectation on scholars to demonstrate their intellectual prowess not only in academic settings but also in their general behavior. While it acknowledges that scholars are not obligated to show their scholarly knowledge in every aspect of society, it argues that their actions should still reflect their intellectual capacity. Their way of thinking and evaluating situations, even in trivial matters, should give people insight into their potential when they apply their scholarly abilities. In essence, the behavior of a true scholar should always offer glimpses into their ability to use their knowledge and analytical skills effectively.

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