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
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.
In practice
During a speech about personal values, one might use this quote to illustrate the importance of inner beauty.
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.
Things we do not expect, happen more frequently than we wish.
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.
I would rather be adorned by beauty of character than jewels. Jewels are the gift of fortune, while character comes from within.
If I can only keep my good name, I shall have riches enough.
Spice a dish with love and it pleases every palate.
Read the heart and not the letter for the pen cannot draw near the good intent.
Never, never pin your whole faith on any human being: not if he is the best and wisest in the whole world. There are lots of nice things you can do with sand; but do not try building a house on it.
I was poor white trash, no glitter, no glamour, but I'm not ashamed of anything.
It is the quality of our work which will please God and not the quantity.
He who is and remains true to himself and to others has the most attractive quality of the greatest talent.
That is where my dearest and brightest dreams have ranged β to hear for the duration of a heartbeat the universe and the totality of life in its mysterious, innate harmony.
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