"I don't know what a scoundrel is like, but I know what a respectable man is like, and it's enough to make one's flesh creep"

This quote by Joseph de Maistre talks to the idea that a person does not require to understand the worst of mankind in order to acknowledge the best of it. By saying that he does not understand what a rascal resembles, de Maistre suggests that he does not need to understand the worst of mankind in order to acknowledge the very best of it. He then goes on to say that he knows what a respectable guy is like, and that it is enough to make one's flesh creep. This implies that the qualities of a respectable male are so effective and motivating that they can make one feel a sense of wonder and admiration. De Maistre is suggesting that by acknowledging the best of mankind, one can be inspired to strive for achievement and to be a much better person. He is also suggesting that by recognizing the best of humanity, one can be encouraged to turn down the worst of it.