Oscar Wilde Quotes

A collection of quotes by Oscar Wilde.

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright, novelist, poet, and wit, widely regarded as one of the greatest literary figures of the late 19th century. Born in Dublin, Wilde showed early talent in academics and writing. He studied at Trinity College, Dublin, and later at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he became known for his literary prowess and flamboyant personality.

Wilde gained popularity with his plays, which showcased his wit, humor, and satirical commentary on society. His most famous works include "The Importance of Being Earnest," "Lady Windermere's Fan," and "An Ideal Husband." He was noted for his sharp wit, distinctive style, and memorable epigrams.

However, Wilde's reputation was tarnished when his homosexuality became public knowledge in a time of strict social and moral codes. In 1895, he was convicted of "gross indecency" and sentenced to two years of hard labor. After his release, Wilde spent the rest of his life in France, where he wrote "The Ballad of Reading Gaol," a reflection on his experiences in prison.

Despite his troubled personal life and tragic end, Oscar Wilde's work and legacy have endured. He is celebrated for his witty plays and essays that challenged societal norms and conventions. His unique style and clever use of language continue to captivate readers and inspire countless writers and artists.

No better way is there to learn to love Nature than to under

No better way is there to learn to love Nature than to understand Art. It dignifies every flower of the field. And, the boy who sees the thing of beauty which a bird on the wing becomes when transferred to wood or canvas will probably not throw the customary stone.

Indeed, no woman should ever be quite accurate about her age

Indeed, no woman should ever be quite accurate about her age. It looks so calculating.

The tragedy of growing old is not that one is old but that o

The tragedy of growing old is not that one is old but that one is young.

LADY BRACKNELLTo speak frankly, I am not in favour of long e

LADY BRACKNELLTo speak frankly, I am not in favour of long engagements. They give people the opportunity of finding out each other's character before marriage, which I think is never advisable.

The aim of life is self-development. To realize one's nature

The aim of life is self-development. To realize one's nature perfectly - that is what each of us is here for.

The soul is born old but grows young. That is the comedy of

The soul is born old but grows young. That is the comedy of life. And the body is born young and grows old. That is life's tragedy.

Twenty years of romance makes a woman look like a ruin; but

Twenty years of romance makes a woman look like a ruin; but twenty years of marriage make her something like a public building

I have never admitted that I am more than twentynine, or thi

I have never admitted that I am more than twentynine, or thirty at the most. Twentynine when there are pink shades, thirty when there are not.

Friendship...is not something you learn in school,but if you

Friendship...is not something you learn in school,but if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship you really haven't learned anything.

All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy.

All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does, and that is his.

It is perfectly monstrous,' he said, at last, 'the way peopl

It is perfectly monstrous,' he said, at last, 'the way people go about nowadays saying things against one behind one's back that are absolutely and entirely true.

There are three kinds of despots. There is the despot who ty

There are three kinds of despots. There is the despot who tyrannises over the body. There is the despot who tyrannises over the soul. There is the despot who tyrannises over the soul and body alike. The first is called the Prince. The second is called the Pope. The third is called the People.

Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.

Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.

I am too fond of reading books to care to write them.

I am too fond of reading books to care to write them.

In the wild struggle for existance, we want to have somethin

In the wild struggle for existance, we want to have something that endures, and so we fill our minds with rubbish and facts, in the silly hope of keeping our place.

I am dying beyond my means.

I am dying beyond my means.

It is the confession, not the priest, that gives us absoluti

It is the confession, not the priest, that gives us absolution

There is a luxury in self-reproach. When we blame ourselves

There is a luxury in self-reproach. When we blame ourselves we feel that no one else has a right to blame us.

A man can't be too careful in the choice of his enemies.

A man can't be too careful in the choice of his enemies.

I hope you have not been leading a double life, pretending t

I hope you have not been leading a double life, pretending to be wicked and being good all the time. That would be hypocrisy.