"Any man may be in good spirits and good temper when he's well dressed. There ain't much credit in that"

Charles Dickens draws attention to the ways people’s outward appearances and circumstances can influence their moods. Fine clothing, a traditional marker of social standing and prosperity, often brings about external approval and internal satisfaction. When a man is well dressed, he’s likely to feel accepted, admired, and comfortable within his society, basking in the positive attention his appearance garners. Such favorable conditions naturally foster good spirits and a pleasant demeanor, who wouldn’t feel uplifted, treated with respect, and encouraged by a polished look? Under those circumstances, maintaining a cheerful mood seems effortless. Dickens suggests that good temper under these ideal, superficial conditions doesn’t truly showcase the substance of one’s character.

The real test, Dickens implies, reveals itself when one is deprived of these external comforts. Anyone can smile and be affable when dressed in elegant attire, surrounded by approving glances. The challenge lies in sustaining that geniality and affability when circumstances are less than favorable: shabby clothes, social anonymity, or even disfavor. The underlying message is that credit, or genuine merit, should be reserved for those who demonstrate kindness, patience, and composure regardless of their attire or situation. It’s not difficult to be pleasant when the world meets you with smiles; far more admirable are those who maintain their good nature amid adversity, discomfort, or disregard.

Dickens’ comment satirizes a society highly invested in surface-level judgments, poking at the shallow notion that happiness or goodness can be measured by external markers such as clothing. He urges his audience to look past such superficial cues and find virtue in resilience, humility, and authentic character. Ultimately, credit is deserved not by those whose cheerfulness is propped up by comfort and status, but by those whose inner qualities shine through regardless of circumstance, revealing a truer, deeper form of dignity and grace.