“I always pass on good advice. It is the only thing to do with it. It is never of any use to oneself.”
- 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.
Quote
“I always pass on good advice. It is the only thing to do with it. It is never of any use to oneself.”
Explanation
In this humorous quote, Oscar Wilde cleverly critiques the irony of giving good advice. He suggests that while advice may be well-intentioned and wise, it is often of little use to the person giving it. Wilde’s statement plays on the idea that people are often better at offering solutions to others’ problems than applying the same wisdom to their own lives. This may reflect his belief in the disconnect between theory and practice, as well as the human tendency to offer guidance without fully following it ourselves. Wilde uses this insight to comment on the difficulties people face in applying good advice to their own behavior or situations.
Wilde’s quote also touches on the human condition, highlighting the self-awareness that often comes with giving advice. People may recognize the right course of action for others but may struggle to follow that same path in their own lives due to emotional or practical obstacles. This ironic twist suggests that while advice may be valuable in theory, it can often be hard to implement personally due to the complex nature of self-discipline and human emotions.
In modern times, this quote resonates with the common experience of giving or receiving advice that seems insightful but is difficult to follow. It reminds us that while advice can be an important tool for guiding others, it is often more difficult to take our own advice due to personal biases, emotions, or circumstances. Wilde’s words encourage a reflection on the gap between knowledge and action, and the often humorous nature of human inconsistency.
