--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is only when mind and character…" description: "\"It is only when mind and character slumber that the dress can be seen. If the intellect were always awake, and every noble sentiment, the man might go ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/abc/ralph-waldo-emerson-6_appearance_it-is-only-when-mind-and-character-slumb_781324.png" --- # It is only when mind and character slumber that the dress… ![“It is only when mind and character slumber that the dress can be seen. If the intellect were always awake, and every noble sentiment, the man might go in huckaback or mats, and his dress would be admired and imitated.” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/abc/ralph-waldo-emerson-6_appearance_it-is-only-when-mind-and-character-slumb_781324.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/abc/ralph-waldo-emerson-6_appearance_it-is-only-when-mind-and-character-slumb_781324.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/abc/ralph-waldo-emerson-6_appearance_it-is-only-when-mind-and-character-slumb_781324.png) > “It is only when mind and character slumber that the dress can be seen. If the intellect were always awake, and every noble sentiment, the man might go in huckaback or mats, and his dress would be admired and imitated.” [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ralph-waldo-emerson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. When intellect and character are dormant, superficial appearances dominate; true insight requires an awake mind and noble sentiment. **In simple terms:** Awake mind reveals deeper value beyond appearances. Key Takeaway Cultivate awareness and virtue. Themes self‑awareness character perception Mood thoughtful inspirational Type philosophical advice When to use this quote - leadership - art criticism - personal growth Key Concepts philosophy personal development Questions to Reflect On - How do you look beyond appearances? - What practices keep your mind alert? A Different Perspective Superficial judgments persist without reflection. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Fashion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fashion/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) ## Related quotes > [It is only when the mind and character slumber that the dress can be seen.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/it-is-only-when-the-mind-and-character-slumber-that-the-dress-can-be/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The light by which we see in this world comes out from the soul of the observer. 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