The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

"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.  They live as we all should live, undisturbed, indifferent, and without disquiet." - The Picture of Dorian Gray (book by Oscar Wilde)