"Every man has his moral backside which he refrains from showing unless he has to and keeps covered as long as possible with the trousers of decorum"

Georg C. Lichtenberg's quote offers a vivid metaphorical expedition of human nature and the social masks people use. When Lichtenberg refers to "every man" having a "moral backside", he is suggesting that all people possess elements of their character or moral inclinations that they would prefer to keep concealed. These concealed characteristics might consist of personal defects, unethical propensities, or socially undesirable ideas and behaviors that people normally choose not to display in public.

The metaphor of "pants of etiquette" evokes the idea of a societal and cultural material that people use to cover these less admirable aspects of themselves. Etiquette refers to the social norms and etiquette that determine suitable habits. By employing this metaphor, Lichtenberg suggests that people frequently cloak their true selves with a veneer of respectability and politeness in order to comply with social expectations. This covering allows them to browse social scenarios without exposing their vulnerabilities or the less savory elements of their moral character.

In addition, the phrase "unless he has to" implies that certain situations might compel somebody to expose their covert sides. This might happen in moments of tension, conflict, or when one's personal interests are threatened, exposing the underlying moral mindsets and beliefs that are otherwise kept in check by social conventions.

In essence, Lichtenberg's quote highlights the duality of human nature and the continuous balancing act people perform in between their personal selves and social personalities. It recommends that while individuals make every effort to present themselves positively in public, underneath the surface lies a more complicated and sometimes inconsistent ethical landscape. This exploration of human nature encourages reflection on the credibility of one's social identity and the reasons why people might feel forced to conceal specific parts of themselves from the world. The quote acts as a reminder of the fundamental intricacy and, at times, duplicity in human habits, driven by the stress in between personal inclinations and social expectations.