"Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul"

This quote by Alexander Pope speaks with the concept that while physical charm and beauty can be attractive, it is ultimately an individual's character and inner qualities that will win the appreciation and respect of others. Pope is recommending that it is inadequate to merely be appealing on the outside, but that a person needs to likewise have an excellent character and strong moral worths in order to truly win the hearts of others. He is highlighting the value of having an excellent moral compass and being an individual of stability, rather than relying solely on physical appeal and charm. Eventually, Pope is recommending that it is a person's inner qualities that will truly win the soul.