Oscar Wilde's personal philosophy of Aestheticism emphasized the importance of beauty and art in life. He believed that art should exist for its own sake, rather than for any moral or political purpose. Aestheticism also emphasized the importance of individualism and self-expression.

In Wilde's play, The Importance of Being Earnest, the character who most closely follows this philosophy is Algernon Moncrieff. Algernon is a dandy who values beauty and pleasure above all else. He is constantly seeking new experiences and indulging in his own desires, without concern for the opinions of others or any sense of moral obligation. Algernon's wit and charm are also important aspects of his aesthetic persona.