Property is unstable, and youth perishes in a moment. Life itself is held in the grinning fangs of Death, Yet men delay to obtain release from the world. Alas, the conduct of mankind is surprising.
PlautusRead
I had much rather be adorned by beauty of character than by jewels. Jewels are the gift of fortune, character comes from within.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True beauty lies in one's character rather than in material possessions.
This quote emphasizes the importance of inner qualities and moral character over external adornments and material wealth. While jewels symbolize fortune and status, the beauty of character is a deeper, intrinsic quality that defines a person's true worth and is cultivated from within, underscoring that character is far more valuable than superficial possessions.
Themes
CharacterBeautyWealthInner QualitiesJewels
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about personal values, one might use this quote to illustrate the importance of inner beauty.
More from Plautus
All quotes βThings we do not expect, happen more frequently than we wish.
PlautusRead
The gods confound the man who first found out How to distinguish hours! Confound him, too, Who in this place set up a sun-dial, To cut and hack my days so wretchedly Into small portions.
PlautusRead
I would rather be adorned by beauty of character than jewels. Jewels are the gift of fortune, while character comes from within.
PlautusRead
If I can only keep my good name, I shall have riches enough.
PlautusRead
Spice a dish with love and it pleases every palate.
PlautusRead
Similar quotes
I must try to be alone for part of each year...and part of each day...in order to keep my core, my center...Women must be still as the axis of a wheel in the midst of her activities. She must be the pioneer of achieving this stillness, not only for her own salvation, but for the salvation of family life, of society, perhaps even of our civilization.
Anne Morrow LindberghRead
The older we grow the greater becomes our wonder at how much ignorance one can contain without bursting one's clothes.
Mark TwainRead
This really should be kept secret, but you can learn a lot by watching the making-of DVDs. Every actor should do it. You figure out what you're dealing with.
Bill MurrayRead
When one is trying to do something beyond his known powers it is useless to seek the approval of friends. Friends are at their best in moments of defeat.
Henry MillerRead
I would always advise young people to follow their star - not my star. They have to live their own life. If they decide they want to go into the investment business, do it, but make it a better business than it is today.
John C. BogleRead
Always to see the general in the particular is the very foundation of genius.
Arthur SchopenhauerRead