Quote by George Eliot

He was one of those men, and they are not the commonest, of whom we can know the best only by following them away from the marketplace, the platform, and the pulpit, entering with them into their own homes, hearing the voice with which they speak to the young and aged about their own hearthstone, and witnessing their thoughtful care for the everyday wants of everyday companions, who take all their kindness as a matter of course, and not as a subject for panegyric.


He was one of those men, and they are not the commonest, of

Summary

This quote emphasizes the idea that the true character of a person cannot be fully understood or appreciated by observing their public persona alone. Instead, it is suggested that to truly know someone, one must see them in their private lives, interacting with their loved ones and tending to the ordinary needs and concerns of those around them. The quote implies that there are individuals who exhibit genuine kindness and care in their everyday actions, without expecting praise or recognition for their behavior. Thus, their true nature is revealed through their unassuming acts of compassion and thoughtfulness.

By George Eliot
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Benjamin Franklin