What assumption is made about judging a person's character by their appearance?

The assumption that judging a person's character by their appearance is a reliable way to gauge personality suggests that external factors, such as clothing, grooming, and general demeanor, can provide a truthful insight into a person's internal qualities. This perspective relies on the belief that there is a consistent correlation between how someone presents themselves and their deeper attributes, such as honesty, integrity, or kindness.

However, this belief is problematic because appearances can be deceiving and influenced by many factors that do not accurately reflect an individual's true character. Many people might dress in a certain way out of necessity, cultural reasons, or personal style that does not convey their values or personality. Consequently, while some may hold the view that appearances can be a reliable indicator, it is important to approach such judgments with caution, recognizing that they can often lead to misunderstanding and mischaracterization of individuals.