"A good face they say, is a letter of recommendation. O Nature, Nature, why art thou so dishonest, as ever to send men with these false recommendations into the World!"
- Henry Fielding
About this Quote
This quote by Henry Fielding is a commentary on the unfairness of life. He is explaining that physical charm is typically seen as an indication of merit, when in truth it has no bearing on a person's character or abilities. He is asking why Nature is so "dishonest" in offering some individuals a "incorrect referral" of beauty, while others are not so fortunate. He is suggesting that appeal should not be a factor in establishing a person's well worth, and that it is incorrect to judge a person based on their look. He is also indicating that elegance is not a dependable indication of a person's character or capabilities, which it needs to not be utilized as a measure of well worth. Eventually, Fielding is advocating for a more equitable culture, where individuals are evaluated on their merits as opposed to their looks.