Whatever character a person has, even if they think it…
Quote
Whatever character a person has, even if they think it hidden from others, it becomes known.
Arabic original
ومهما تكن عند امرئ من خليقة، وإن خالها تخفى على الناس، تعلم.
What it means
Actions eventually reveal character despite efforts to conceal it. The poet values observation over time: a carefully maintained image cannot hide every habit or choice indefinitely.
The story behind this quote
The line belongs to the maxims concluding Zuhayr’s Mu‘allaqa. It continues a series of reflections on human relationships, dignity and personal conduct.
Character is not merely abstract: it becomes visible through choices and relationships. The line’s brevity makes the observation memorable. Its place among other maxims shows that it belongs to reflection on social life, rather than a method for detecting every hidden thought.
The source
معلقة زهير بن أبي سلمى, من أبيات الحكمة في ختام المعلقة
The text appears in the indicated source. A traditional attribution remains distinct from proof of authorship: see the context.
More quotes by Zuhayr ibn Abi Sulma
I am weary of life’s burdens; whoever lives eighty years, indeed, grows weary.
A stranger may take an enemy for a friend; whoever does not honour himself is not honoured.