Enjoy the best Oscar Wilde Quotes. Quotations by Oscar Wilde (Poet, Playwright, Novelist) Oct 16, 1854 - Nov 30, 1900
You don't love someone for their looks, or their clothes, or for their fancy car, but because they sing a song only you can hear.
First love is a moment that changes a person forever.
Life is never fair, and perhaps it is a good thing for most of us that it is not.
Everything in moderation, including moderation.
To expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect.
Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us.
The only thing that one really knows about human nature is that it changes.
Experience is merely the name men gave to their mistakes.
The old believe everything; the middle-aged suspect everything; the young know everything.
A work of art is the unique result of a unique temperament.
Society exists only as a mental concept; in the real world, there are only individuals.
The world was my oyster, but I used the wrong fork.
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) was an Irish playwright, novelist, poet, and wit who became one of the most prominent literary figures of the late 19th century. Known for his sharp wit, flamboyant personality, and unconventional lifestyle, Wilde remains an enduring symbol of literary genius and cultural rebellion.
Born on October 16, 1854, in Dublin, Ireland, Wilde was the second child of Sir William Wilde and Jane Wilde, a successful surgeon and a prominent poet respectively. From an early age, Oscar displayed remarkable intellectual abilities and a passion for literature. He attended Trinity College, Dublin, where he excelled in his studies and distinguished himself as a talented writer.
After graduating, Wilde moved to London in 1878, where he became a central figure in literary and artistic circles. He was known for his distinctive style of dress, which included flamboyant clothing and a long mane of hair. With his charming personality and clever wit, Wilde quickly became a well-known figure in society.
Wilde's literary career took off with the publication of his first collection of poems, "Poems" (1881). He gained further acclaim with his comedic plays, including "Lady Windermere's Fan" (1892), "A Woman of No Importance" (1893), and "The Importance of Being Earnest" (1895), which is considered his masterpiece. These plays showcased Wilde's wit, satire, and social commentary, and they continue to be performed and celebrated today.
In addition to his plays, Wilde wrote a novel, "The Picture of Dorian Gray" (1890), which tells the story of a man who remains eternally young while his portrait ages and reflects his moral decay. The novel challenged societal norms and explored themes of decadence, art, and the pursuit of pleasure, cementing Wilde's reputation as a provocative and subversive writer.
However, Wilde's personal life was marked by scandal and controversy. In 1895, he was charged with "gross indecency" for engaging in homosexual relationships, which was illegal at the time. He was convicted and sentenced to two years of hard labor. The trial and subsequent imprisonment took a toll on Wilde's health and reputation, and he emerged from prison a broken man.
After his release, Wilde spent the remainder of his life in France under the name Sebastian Melmoth. He published "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" (1898), a poem inspired by his experiences in prison. Wilde died of meningitis on November 30, 1900, at the age of 46, in Paris.
Despite the tragic end to his life, Oscar Wilde's literary contributions continue to captivate audiences. His wit, satire, and exploration of societal conventions have earned him a lasting place in the annals of literature. Wilde's works remain widely studied and celebrated, and his enduring legacy serves as a testament to the power of artistic expression and the resilience of the human spirit.