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It is better to be beautiful than to be good. But... it is…

“It is better to be beautiful than to be good. But... it is better to be good than to be ugly.” quote by Oscar Wilde
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“It is better to be beautiful than to be good. But... it is better to be good than to be ugly.”

Oscar Wilde

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker argues that beauty is preferable to goodness, yet ultimately claims goodness surpasses ugliness, highlighting a moral hierarchy.

In simple terms: Beauty vs. goodness: goodness wins over ugliness.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize moral character over appearance.

Themes

beauty morality values

Mood

thoughtful philosophical

Type

literary ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • social interactions
  • self‑image
  • leadership

Key Concepts

aesthetics ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance appearance and character?
  • Can goodness compensate for lack of beauty?
A Different Perspective

External beauty is fleeting; inner goodness endures.

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