One should consider human life rather than mere finery.
 Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Poor Folk (1846). copy citation

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Author Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Source Poor Folk
Topic life
Date 1846
Language English
Reference
Note Translated by C. J. Hogarth
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2302/2302-h/2302-h.htm

Context

“Then I could keep you. For what is he to you, this Monsieur Bwikov? Why has he suddenly become so dear to your heart? Is it because he can buy you gewgaws? What are THEY? What use are THEY? They are so much rubbish. One should consider human life rather than mere finery. Nevertheless, as soon as I have received my next instalment of salary I mean to buy you a new cloak. I mean to buy it at a shop with which I am acquainted. Only, you must wait until my next installment is due, my angel of a Barbara.” source