“It is better to be beautiful than to be good. But… it is better to be good than to be ugly.”
- October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900
- Irish
- Author, poet, playwright
- Written novels, plays, and poems such as “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and “Salome,” he had a great influence on British literature in the late 19th century through his witty social criticism and humor.
Quote
“It is better to be beautiful than to be good. But… it is better to be good than to be ugly.”
Explanation
In this humorous and ironic quote, Oscar Wilde plays with the common societal values of beauty and goodness, placing them in a hierarchy that both reflects and critiques cultural ideals. Wilde acknowledges that beauty is often more valued than goodness in society, suggesting that a beautiful person is often afforded more privileges and attention. However, he quickly qualifies this by stating that, while beauty may be preferable to goodness, it is still better to be good than ugly, pointing to the fact that moral character still holds more weight than physical appearance when it comes to long-term value.
Wilde’s comment reflects his satirical view on society’s superficial focus on appearance and the flaws inherent in these value judgments. He seems to suggest that society often places too much emphasis on outer beauty, while undervaluing the inner qualities of a person. At the same time, Wilde subtly critiques the notion that moral goodness can be reduced to a mere comparison with beauty, pushing us to question what truly defines worth in a person.
In modern times, this quote resonates with the ongoing tension between appearance and moral character, particularly in the context of social media and celebrity culture, where beauty and physical traits are often overly celebrated. Wilde’s words remind us that, while beauty may offer temporary advantages in certain contexts, true value lies in a person’s character and goodness, which are far more enduring and meaningful than the superficial qualities society often elevates.
