"If we divine a discrepancy between a man's words and his character, the whole impression of him becomes broken and painful; he revolts the imagination by his lack of unity, and even the good in him is hardly accepted"

This quote by Charles Horton Cooley talks to the value of consistency between a person's words and their character. When there is a disparity between the 2, it can develop a damaged and agonizing impression of the individual. This lack of unity can be tough to accept, even if the person has some great qualities. Cooley is recommending that it is essential for people to be constant in their words and actions, as this will create a more unified and positive impression. It is also crucial to keep in mind that individuals are not ideal, which mistakes can be made. However, it is important to pursue consistency in order to develop a favorable impression.