“If a work of art is rich and vital and complete, those who have artistic instincts will see its beauty, and those to whom ethics appeal more strongly than aesthetics will see its moral lesson. It will fill the cowardly with terror, and the unclean will see in it their own shame.”
- October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900
- Irish
- Author, poet, playwright
- Written novels, plays, and poems such as “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” “The Importance of Being Earnest,” and “Salome,” he had a great influence on British literature in the late 19th century through his witty social criticism and humor.
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Quote
“If a work of art is rich and vital and complete, those who have artistic instincts will see its beauty, and those to whom ethics appeal more strongly than aesthetics will see its moral lesson. It will fill the cowardly with terror, and the unclean will see in it their own shame.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde reflects on the profound power of art to evoke a wide range of responses from its audience. He suggests that a true work of art, one that is vital and complete, will not only be appreciated by those with an eye for beauty but will also convey deeper moral and psychological messages. For some, art will be a source of beauty, while for others, it will serve as a moral lesson or a reflection of their own shortcomings. Wilde’s view here emphasizes the multifaceted nature of art, highlighting its ability to affect individuals differently depending on their personal values and perspectives.
Wilde’s perspective can be understood in the context of his engagement with the Aesthetic Movement, which argued that art should be valued for its own intrinsic beauty, rather than serving a moral or educational purpose. However, Wilde also acknowledged the power of art to provoke deeper introspection and moral reflection. This tension between aestheticism and ethics is evident in his works, where characters often wrestle with moral dilemmas, yet are deeply influenced by the beauty and power of art.
In modern times, this quote resonates in the way art is still experienced and interpreted. Whether in literature, visual arts, or film, works of art continue to provoke diverse reactions from audiences. Some might see a painting or film purely for its artistic merit, while others might reflect on its moral lessons or social implications. Wilde’s words remind us that great art transcends simple categorization, touching on the complexities of human nature and often challenging us to confront aspects of ourselves that we might otherwise prefer to ignore.
