“Beauty is the only thing that time cannot harm. Philosophies fall away like sand, creeds follow one another, but what is beautiful is a joy for all seasons, a possession for all eternity.”
- 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
“Beauty is the only thing that time cannot harm. Philosophies fall away like sand, creeds follow one another, but what is beautiful is a joy for all seasons, a possession for all eternity.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde extols the enduring nature of beauty as something that transcends the passage of time. While philosophies, belief systems, and cultural trends may come and go, beauty remains constant and unchanging. Wilde suggests that beauty is timeless, impervious to the forces of history, and that it offers joy and meaning no matter the era. Beauty, in his view, is something eternal, unaffected by the fluctuations of time or the rise and fall of intellectual or spiritual movements. It is a possession that cannot be taken away, always providing a source of pleasure and inspiration.
Wilde’s admiration for beauty aligns with his broader aesthetic philosophy, which held that art and beauty are the highest expressions of human experience. For Wilde, beauty was not just a physical quality but a deep, universal truth that connects people across time and space. He often explored how beauty elevates and enriches life, making it the ultimate source of joy and fulfillment, unaffected by the temporary nature of human concerns.
In modern contexts, Wilde’s words remind us of the enduring value of beauty in our lives—whether through art, nature, or human expression. In a world where many things may seem fleeting or impermanent, beauty provides a sense of stability and inspiration that endures through all challenges. It encourages us to appreciate and seek out beauty in all its forms, recognizing that its power and joy remain unchanged by time.
