Truly understanding someone can take years—or just minutes—if you know where to look. It’s not about judging appearances or relying on what people say about themselves. The real clues lie in subtle behaviors and instinctive reactions that speak louder than words.

Carl Jung, the renowned Swiss psychiatrist and founder of analytical psychology, believed that a person’s character is most evident in everyday, unguarded moments. According to Jung, if you want to uncover someone’s true nature, there are two key behaviors to observe. His simple yet powerful insight offers a deeper way to see people as they truly are.

Two Subtle Clues That Reveal True Character

Jung believed that character isn’t revealed through grand declarations or curated personas, but in how people act when there’s no reward or audience. He identified two key indicators:

1. How a person treats those who can offer nothing in return

Watch how someone interacts with people who hold no power—like service workers, strangers, or those who are vulnerable. When someone is kind, respectful, and considerate in these situations, it reflects empathy and integrity. In contrast, those who are dismissive or rude often reveal arrogance or a lack of moral depth.

2. How a person handles frustration

A person’s reaction when things go wrong—when they face delays, failure, or unexpected challenges—is incredibly telling. Do they lash out, blame others, or lose their temper? Or do they stay calm, take responsibility, and show resilience? These moments test emotional maturity, humility, and self-control. As Jung noted, character is not revealed in comfort, but in crisis.

Other Ways to Understand Someone Deeply

Beyond these two indicators, other behaviors can provide meaningful insights into a person’s inner world:

Their sense of humor: The kind of jokes someone makes can reveal underlying emotions—whether they’re compassionate, critical, insecure, or even hostile.

How they speak about others: Frequent gossip or criticism often signals inner dissatisfaction or projection.

How well they listen: Genuine listening without interrupting or dominating the conversation is a sign of emotional awareness and respect.

Their use of power: Few things reveal more about someone than how they act when they hold authority or influence.

By paying attention to these small but telling details, we can learn more about a person’s true self—no need to wait years. As Carl Jung emphasized, character reveals itself not in what’s shown, but in what’s quietly done… if we’re paying attention.