“A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other.”. Source
This profound observation comes from Charles Dickens, a master storyteller of the Victorian era. His words cut through time, revealing a fundamental truth about the human condition. While he wrote about 19th-century England, his insights into our inner lives remain incredibly relevant. This particular quote invites us to consider the vast, hidden worlds that exist within each person we meet. It challenges our assumptions and encourages a deeper sense of wonder about others.
Let’s unpack the layers of this powerful statement. We will explore its origin, its meaning, and its enduring importance in a world that feels both hyper-connected and deeply isolating. Charles Dickens | Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
. A Tale of Two Cities – Project Gutenberg
The Quote’s Origin: A Tale of Two Cities
Dickens penned this line in the opening pages of his 1859 masterpiece, A Tale of Two Cities. The quote appears in the third chapter, titled “The Night Shadows.” It sets the stage for a novel filled with secrets, mistaken identities, and hidden motivations. The narrator reflects on a group of travelers in a mail coach, each a complete enigma to the others. Consequently, this observation establishes a core theme of the book: the profound separateness of individual human experience.
In the story, characters like Sydney Carton and Dr. Alexandre Manette harbor deep secrets that define their actions. Carton’s hidden capacity for love and sacrifice remains unknown to almost everyone. Similarly, Dr. Manette’s past trauma is a mystery he himself can barely access. Dickens uses this idea to build suspense and create complex, unforgettable characters. The quote, therefore, is not just a philosophical aside; it is the very foundation of the novel’s intricate plot.
Unpacking the Profound Secret
To truly grasp Dickens‘ point, we can break down the quote into its essential parts. Each phrase adds another layer of meaning to this powerful reflection on human nature. This examination reveals a deep appreciation for the complexity of the individual.
A “Wonderful Fact to Reflect Upon”
Charles Dickens – Victorian Web begins not with a lament, but with a sense of awe. He calls our inherent secrecy a “wonderful fact.” This choice of words is crucial. Instead of seeing our inability to fully know one another as a tragedy, he presents it as a source of marvel. It suggests that the mystery of others is something to be respected and contemplated. This perspective encourages curiosity and humility. Furthermore, it reminds us that there is always more to a person than what we see on the surface. Every individual offers a universe of thoughts, memories, and feelings that we can never completely map.
Constituted to be a Mystery
Next, Dickens states that we are “constituted” to be this way. This implies that our inner secrecy is not a choice we make or a wall we intentionally build. Instead, it is a fundamental part of our design. We are wired to be mysteries to each other. This idea challenges the notion that we can ever achieve total transparency with anyone, no matter how close we are. It speaks to the ultimate privacy of the human mind. Indeed, this inherent separateness is a defining feature of our existence. Source
Echoes Across Dickens’ Universe
The theme of hidden depths is not confined to A Tale of Two Cities. In fact, it resonates throughout Dickens’ extensive body of work. His novels are populated with characters whose true selves are concealed behind social masks, past traumas, or secret ambitions. He masterfully shows how these hidden realities drive the narrative and reveal truths about society.
For example, in Great Expectations, Pip spends years believing Miss Havisham is his secret benefactor. He builds his entire identity around this false assumption. The eventual revelation of Abel Magwitch as his true patron shatters Pip’s world, proving how little he knew about the people shaping his life. Similarly, characters in Our Mutual Friend and Bleak House are entangled in complex webs of secrets and unknown connections. Dickens’ works have inspired a vast number of adaptations.
Relevance in the Digital Age
One might think Dickens’ observation is less relevant today. After all, social media encourages us to share every detail of our lives. We present curated versions of ourselves through photos, updates, and online profiles. However, this very curation reinforces Dickens’ point. The polished personas we see online are often far from the complete, complex reality. The pressure to present a perfect life can make the gap between our public self and our private self even wider.
This quote serves as a vital reminder. It encourages us to look beyond the digital facade and approach others with empathy and curiosity. It also prompts us to be more honest with ourselves about the parts of our own lives that we keep hidden. Ultimately, accepting that every person is a “profound secret” can lead to more meaningful and authentic connections. It allows us to appreciate the mystery rather than trying to solve it, fostering a deeper respect for the rich inner world of every individual.