It is better to be beautiful than to be good. But ... it is better to be good than to be ugly. The Picture of Dorian Gray

This was the method which I adopted: I first assumed some principle which I judged to be the strongest, and then I affirmed as true whatever seemed to agree with this, whether relating to the cause or to anything else; and that which disagreed I regarded as untrue. ...I want to show you the nature of that cause which has occupied my thoughts, and I shall have to go back to those familiar words which are in the mouth of everyone, and first of all assume that there is an absolute beauty and goodness and greatness, and the like; grant me this, and I hope to be able to show you the nature of the cause, and to prove the immortality of the soul. The Trials Of Socrates

A wise man loses nothing, if he but save himself. Essays

It is satisfaction to a man to do the proper works of a man. Book VIII