You can't judge a book by its cover is indeed a true saying in this world of illusions. It's general meaning is that you should not judge a book through its outer appearance .May be it seems dusty from outside but may contain gold mine of knowledge whereas there may be some other book that is very beautiful from outside but may have nothing valuable inside it Same goes for human beings also .many a times we judge people on their looks and their appearance .but their reality lies within.a person may not be beautiful externally but may have a pure heart and mind within whereas a person who may seem attractive and gorgeous externally may be full of negativity hatred and jealousy within. So we should judge someone not from their appearance not through their deeds and actions