Oscar Wilde is one of the most ingenious writers in history. His novels and plays are among the most read of all time thanks to their mix of tragedy, wit and wisdom.
It is, also, one of the most cited writers of all time. His phrases, always with an ironic and humorous touch, hide great and stark truths.
Life and work of Oscar Wilde
Born in Dublin (Ireland) in 1854Oscar Wilde stood out academically from a very young age. He studied at Trinity College in Dublin and later at Magdalen College in Oxford, where he already won a literary prize for his poem Ravenna.
He began his literary career writing poetry, but His greatest recognition came as a playwrightwith works like Lady Windermere’s fan (1892), An ideal husband (1895) or, his masterpiece, The importance of being called Ernesto (1895). His only novel, The Portrait of Dorian Gray (1891), which initially received harsh criticism, is now a classic.
When he was at the peak of his career, in 1895, Wilde’s life took a dramatic turn when He was jailed for «gross indecency» due to his homosexual relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas. After serving two years of hard labor, and physically and emotionally devastated, he spent his final years in exile in France, where he died in poverty in 1900, aged 46.
20 funny and inspiring quotes from Oscar Wilde
He wit, wisdom and sense of humor de Wilde are very present in his writings. We have selected 20 of his most provocative phrases and funny about life and love.
11. «IT IS ABSURD TO DIVIDE PEOPLE INTO GOOD OR BAD. PEOPLE ARE LOVELY OR BORING.»
Wilde questions traditional labels and suggests that morality is subjective and often exaggerated.
12. «IN THIS WORLD THERE ARE ONLY TWO TRAGEDIES: ONE IS NOT GETTING WHAT YOU WANT AND THE OTHER IS GETTING IT.»
We often think that happiness lies in achieving our desires, but as Wilde suggests, Getting them can make us feel empty.disappointed or eager for more.
13. «BE YOURSELF, ALL THE OTHER POSITIONS ARE ALREADY FILLED.»
A fun reminder of the importance of authenticity and to remain true to our true selves, without trying to imitate others.
14. «ALWAYS FORGIVE YOUR ENEMIES; NOTHING ANNOYS THEM MORE.»
Holding on to resentment or seeking revenge all you do is give power to those who hurt us.
15. «THE TRUTH IS RARELY PURE AND NEVER SIMPLE.»
The truth is often complex and influenced by various factors such as personal prejudices, context and emotions.
16. «EVERY SAINT HAS A PAST AND EVERY SINNER HAS A FUTURE.»
As Wilde points out, no one is completely good or bad. Even the most seemingly virtuous people have made mistakes.
17. «HEARTS ARE MADE TO BREAK.»
Pain is an inherent part of life and, particularly, love. A quote that can also serve as comfort in moments of heartbreak.
18. «I BELIEVE THAT GOD, WHEN CREATING MAN, OVERESTIMATED HIS ABILITIES A LITTLE.»
According to Wilde, the humans, with all their imperfectionsthey will not live up to what is expected of a divine creator. Another ironic and subtle way of saying that it wouldn’t hurt us to be a little more humble sometimes.
19. «TODAY PEOPLE KNOW THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING AND THE VALUE OF NOTHING.»
This quote from The Portrait of Dorian Graywritten in 1890, is still perfectly valid today. It reminds us that what gives meaning to life has very little to do with accumulating or material things.
20. «THE MYSTERY OF LOVE IS GREATER THAN THE MYSTERY OF DEATH.»
Love, with its power to shape and transform our lives, is more mysterious than death.
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