“Morality is simply the attitude we adopt towards people whom we personally dislike.”
- 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
“Morality is simply the attitude we adopt towards people whom we personally dislike.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde offers a critical and ironic perspective on the nature of morality. He suggests that what we often call moral behavior is not based on universal principles of right and wrong, but rather on personal biases and emotions—particularly the feelings we have towards people we don’t like. Wilde argues that morality is subjective and shaped by personal preferences rather than objective standards. In this view, what we consider “moral” behavior is often influenced by our own animosity, and it becomes a way of justifying our disdain for those who do not meet our personal standards or values.
This perspective reflects Wilde’s skepticism toward the conventional moral codes of his time, particularly the rigid and often hypocritical standards of Victorian society. Wilde often challenged the idea that moral behavior could be universal, recognizing instead that moral judgments are often used to enforce social conformity or to mask personal prejudices. His quote critiques the tendency to use morality as a tool to justify or rationalize dislike, rather than as a framework for fairness and compassion.
In modern times, Wilde’s words still resonate with discussions about subjectivity in moral judgments and how personal biases can influence our sense of right and wrong. In a world where social and political divides often shape people’s moral beliefs, this quote reminds us to be cautious of how our own personal feelings may color our judgments of others. Wilde’s humor and cynicism encourage us to reflect on the ways in which morality can be distorted by personal preferences and to strive for more compassionate and objective views on what is truly right.
