Is it better to be wise and good?

February 4, 2008 1:44 PM

I have this phrase stuck in my head, and I'm trying to remember the source (probably a movie), context, and correct phrasing: "It is better to be wise and good than to not."

I originally was thinking Animal House, on the base of the Emil Faber statue, but that quotation is actually "Knowledge is Good." I was also thinking maybe the scene in Caddyshack, where Judge Smails discusses goodness and badness with Danny, but I'm pretty sure that's not it either. I may not be quite right on the "wise and good" part, but I distinctly remember the ending of "than to not." Unfortunately, that seems to be too broad for me to find it on google. Thanks in advance for any help.

posted by rorycberger to media & arts (5 comments total)

perhaps this from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
She is the one who taught me...
...it is better to be truthful and good...
...than to not.
posted by muteh at 1:50 PM on February 4, 2008

Yep, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Delivered by Steve Martin, who's trying to scam a free meal from a sympathetic woman.
posted by Paragon at 2:04 PM on February 4, 2008

Which just goes to show, that some people have a way with the English language, and other people...well....um....not have way, I guess.
posted by pdb at 2:25 PM on February 4, 2008

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is what you were thinking of, but it reminded me of a Dave Barry quote:

My mother used to say to me: "Son, it's better to be rich and healthy than poor and sick." I think that still makes a heck of a lot of sense, even in these troubles times.'
posted by shakespeherian at 2:47 PM on February 4, 2008

Yes, dirty rotten scoundrels it is. Thank you everyone!
posted by rorycberger at 4:38 PM on February 4, 2008