“ Take nothing on its looks; take everything on evidence. There's no better rule. ”
Charles Dickens, Great Expectations (1861). copy citation
| Author | Charles Dickens |
|---|---|
| Source | Great Expectations |
| Topic | appearance evidence |
| Date | 1861 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1400/1400-h/1400-h.htm |
Context
“«As you say, Pip,» returned Mr. Jaggers, turning his eyes upon me coolly, and taking a bite at his forefinger, «I am not at all responsible for that.»
«And yet it looked so like it, sir,» I pleaded with a downcast heart.
«Not a particle of evidence, Pip,» said Mr. Jaggers, shaking his head and gathering up his skirts. «Take nothing on its looks; take everything on evidence. There's no better rule.»
«I have no more to say,» said I, with a sigh, after standing silent for a little while. «I have verified my information, and there's an end.»
«And Magwitch—in New South Wales—having at last disclosed himself,» said Mr. Jaggers, «you will comprehend, Pip, how rigidly throughout my communication with you, I have always adhered to the strict line of fact.” source
«And yet it looked so like it, sir,» I pleaded with a downcast heart.
«Not a particle of evidence, Pip,» said Mr. Jaggers, shaking his head and gathering up his skirts. «Take nothing on its looks; take everything on evidence. There's no better rule.»
«I have no more to say,» said I, with a sigh, after standing silent for a little while. «I have verified my information, and there's an end.»
«And Magwitch—in New South Wales—having at last disclosed himself,» said Mr. Jaggers, «you will comprehend, Pip, how rigidly throughout my communication with you, I have always adhered to the strict line of fact.” source
Meaning and analysis
