He was a free spirit, a true Artist. Born on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland, Oscar Wilde was a true icon of Aestheticism. This Movement emphasized on beauty and artistic expression over the mundane. His extraordinary personality and keen observations and quotes about society made him a respectable figure in literary circles. His notable works include “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” “An Ideal Husband “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and many other plays, poems, and essays.
Oscar Wilde had to fight against the societal norms of his time. Due to his homosexuality, he went to prison for “gross indecency.” Despite the challenges he faced, Wilde maintained an extraordinary ability to reflect on life with humor and insight. He died at the age of 46, but he has given to the world great novels and even greater quotes.
For the record, we could have chosen way more. However, we strongly believe that if you follow the below quotes, your life will become better (or at least more interesting):
10 of the best Oscar Wilde quotes ever:
- “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”
This quote indicates his life philosophy. Live your lives at the fullest. Get out of the misery of ordinary routine.
2. “The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”
Human nature is complex. Society norms too. Fight for your truth.
3. “The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.”
Life without temptation is boring.
4. “A good friend will always stab you in the front.”
You may have a long circle of acquaintances, but you can have only few good friends. These are the most important ones in your lives. Stay close to them.
5. “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.”
A beautiful metaphor for hope and aspiration, suggesting that even in difficult times, one can strive for greatness.
6. “Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.”
Don’t be afraid to do mistakes. But acknowledge them as such and learn not to do them the next time.
7. “America the only country that went from barbarism to decadence without civilization in between”
Oscar Wilde famously used this quote after his trip to New York in 1882. More than 140 years later, some may claim that he is right about that quote even today.
8. “What is a cynic? A man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.”
A sharp critique of materialism and the superficial values of society.
9. “The only difference between the saint and the sinner is that every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.“
In this life, you decide whether you want to be a saint or a sinner.
10. “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
To our opinion, this is one of the best Oscar Wilde quotes. Be authentic. Do not try to imitate others.