Oscar Wilde's personal philosophy of Aestheticism emphasized the importance of beauty and art in life. He believed that art should not have any moral or social purpose, but should exist solely for its own sake. Aestheticism also emphasized individualism and the pursuit of pleasure and self-expression.

In The Importance of Being Earnest, the character who most closely follows this philosophy is Algernon Moncrieff. Algernon is a dandy who values pleasure and beauty above all else. He is constantly seeking new experiences and indulging in his own desires, without regard for social conventions or moral considerations. Algernon's wit and charm are also important aspects of his aesthetic persona, as he sees himself as an artist of sorts, creating beauty through his words and actions.