“Sometimes the poor are praised for being thrifty. But to recommend thrift to the poor is both grotesque and insulting. It is like advising a man who is starving to eat less.”
- 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
“Sometimes the poor are praised for being thrifty. But to recommend thrift to the poor is both grotesque and insulting. It is like advising a man who is starving to eat less.”
Explanation
In this powerful quote, Oscar Wilde critiques the societal tendency to praise the poor for qualities like thriftiness when, in reality, such traits are often forced upon them due to their economic limitations. Wilde points out the irony and hypocrisy of recommending thrift to those who are already living with very little, comparing it to telling a starving man to eat less—a suggestion that is not only unhelpful but also inherently cruel. The comparison highlights the absurdity of asking those who struggle to survive to further restrict their already limited resources, and it critiques the way society places blame on the poor for their circumstances rather than addressing the larger structural issues that lead to poverty.
This quote also reflects Wilde’s critique of societal norms and his awareness of the social inequalities of his time. He often examined how those in power or privilege misunderstand or misrepresent the struggles of the lower classes. By drawing attention to the absurdity of recommending self-restraint to those in need, Wilde exposes the injustice of such attitudes and the failure to acknowledge the real needs of the poor.
In modern times, this quote resonates with the ongoing discussions about economic inequality and the stereotypes about poverty. It reminds us that true compassion and social responsibility should not focus on asking the disadvantaged to tighten their belts, but rather on addressing the root causes of their struggle and creating a society where basic needs are met for all. Wilde’s words challenge us to reflect on our approach to poverty and to recognize that true help comes not from judgment, but from creating conditions that allow everyone to thrive.
