Why did the people at first think mr. Gathergold resembled the great stone face?

Initially, the people believed Mr. Gathergold resembled the Great Stone Face because of his wealth and success, which led them to associate him with the qualities of wisdom and greatness that the face symbolized. His shrewd business acumen and charismatic personality contributed to this perception, as they saw him as a figure who could embody the ideals represented by the Great Stone Face. However, as time passed, they began to question whether he truly possessed the depth of character and virtue that the face implied. Ultimately, this realization highlighted the distinction between superficial attributes and true greatness.