The available photographs of Childe reveal a man who did not possess traditional good looks. He is described as skinny with a weak chin, squinting eyes made more pronounced by his owlish glasses, and a mustache that seemed almost animated. Despite these physical shortcomings, which might invite derision from others, the author emphasizes that his inner life was rich and impressive.

This juxtaposition between Childe's unremarkable exterior and his remarkable intellect serves as a reminder that true value often lies beneath the surface. The quote highlights the disparity between appearance and substance, suggesting that what truly matters is the depth of one's character and knowledge rather than mere physical attributes.