David Sedaris (1956) American author
21.07.2001 - p.445
Theft by Finding: Diaries, Volume 1 (1977-2002) (2017)
Maxims of an Old Stager.
Context: Always judge your fellow passengers to be the opposite of what they strive to appear to be.
For instance, a military man is not quarrelsome, for no man doubts his courage; but a snob is.
A clergyman is not over strait- laced, for his piety is not questioned; but a cheat is.
A lawyer is not apt to be argumentative; but an actor is.
A woman that is all smiles and graces is a vixen at heart : snakes fascinate.
A stranger that is obsequious and over-civil without apparent cause is treacherous: cats that purr are apt to bite and scratch.
Pride is one thing, assumption is another; the latter must always get the cold shoulder, for whoever shews it is no gentleman: men never affect to be what they are, but what they are not. The only man who really is what he appears to be is — a gentleman.
David Sedaris (1956) American author
21.07.2001 - p.445
Theft by Finding: Diaries, Volume 1 (1977-2002) (2017)
“I've told you before. You shouldn't judge people based on appearances and your preconceptions.”
Masashi Kishimoto (1974) Japanese manga artist
“Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”
Jesus (-7–30 BC) Jewish preacher and religious leader, central figure of Christianity
NASB, John 7:24
Variant translation: Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment. (NIV)
Variants of major statements
John Cooper Clarke (1951) English performance poet
Series 1 - Textiles (9 Nov 2016)
BBC Radio 4 - Dr John Cooper Clarke at the BBC (Nov 2016)