Single Idea 21484

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / e. Character]

Full Idea

As a botanist can recognise the whole plant from one leaf, …so an accurate knowledge of a man's character can be arrived at from a single characteristic action.

Gist of Idea

A man's character can be learned from a single characteristic action

Source

Arthur Schopenhauer (Parerga and Paralipomena [1851], VIII:118)

Book Reference

Schopenhauer,Arthur: 'Essays and Aphorisms [from Pand P]', ed/tr. Hollingdale,R.J. [Penguin 1970], p.144


A Reaction

Very true. Great novelists specialise in such observations. One word can reveal a character, as well as one action.