"Better a good heart than a fair face"

Posted by James Briggs on August 07, 2005

In Reply to: "Better a good heart than a fair face" posted by Wayne O'Donnell on August 07, 2005

: I'm looking for the meaning of the phrase -
: "Better a good heart than a fair face"
: Any help greatly appreciated.

I think it means just what it says. Translated: even if you're physically unattractive, then this can be more than offset by a pleasant personality. In real life you don't get overmuch choice about your natural appearance - big nose, large ears, too fat, too thin etc, but you can change your demeanor and try to be more pleasant to the world. Thus is better than pure good looks and a rotten personality!

• "Better a good heart than a fair face" ESC 07/August/05
  • "Better a good heart than a fair face" Steve E 08/August/05