Great men are seldom over-scrupulous in the arrangement of their attire.

Charles Dickens' quote, "Great men are seldom over-scrupulous in the arrangement of their attire," suggests that true greatness does not depend on outward appearance or the meticulousness of one’s clothing. Dickens implies that men who achieve true success or recognition are often more focused on their actions, ideas, and contributions than on how they present themselves physically. In other words, greatness is more about what one does and how they carry themselves intellectually or morally, rather than being preoccupied with superficial details.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Dickens' broader views on character and materialism. Throughout his works, Dickens often critiqued societal emphasis on outward appearance, especially the Victorian obsession with class and status. By making this statement, he encourages readers to look beyond surface-level characteristics and to focus on substance and integrity as true measures of a person’s worth.

By stating that "great men" are not "over-scrupulous" about their attire, Dickens points out that those who achieve greatness are often less concerned with perfection or convention. Their focus is instead on achieving meaningful goals, whether in leadership, creativity, or personal influence. This observation serves as a reminder that success in life is often achieved through qualities like determination, vision, and passion, rather than by adhering to societal expectations of appearance.

In essence, the quote encourages individuals to prioritize character and purpose over outward appearances. Dickens seems to suggest that greatness is found not in following every social convention but in the ability to focus on more meaningful and impactful pursuits. The message is clear: those who are truly great are often indifferent to the trivial concerns of appearance, as their energy is channeled into achieving something far more significant.