There is a fatality about all physical and intellectual distinction, the sort of fatality that seems to dog through history the faltering steps of kings. It is better not to be different from one’s fellows. The ugly and the stupid have the best of it in this world. They can sit at their ease and gape at the play. If they know nothing of victory, they are at least spared the knowledge of defeat.
– Oscar Wilde
The Picture of Dorian Gray, Chapter 1. Basil reacts to Lord Henry’s ideas about physical beauty vs intellectual power and telling Basil that he isn’t in the least like Dorian Gray. Basil makes clear that he’s not interested in having the beauty of Dorian, saying that it’s better not to be different. The ugly and stupid know nothing of victory or defeat but live undisturbed lives without worry, he goes on to say.