“Our ambition should be to rule ourselves, the true kingdom for each one of us; and true progress is to know more, and be more, and to do more.”
- 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
“Our ambition should be to rule ourselves, the true kingdom for each one of us; and true progress is to know more, and be more, and to do more.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde emphasizes the importance of self-mastery and personal growth as the true forms of progress. He suggests that rather than seeking to gain power over others or conform to external standards, our ambition should be focused on governing ourselves—ruling our own lives with wisdom, discipline, and purpose. For Wilde, the kingdom we should aspire to is the realm of our own mind, heart, and actions, where true empowerment comes from understanding ourselves, expanding our knowledge, and continuously striving to be better versions of ourselves.
Wilde’s idea of progress goes beyond conventional measures of success, such as wealth or status. He advocates for personal evolution—an ever-deepening understanding of the world and our place within it. Knowing more, in this sense, is not simply about accumulating facts, but about gaining insight into deeper truths. Being more refers to developing character, compassion, and integrity. And doing more means actively engaging with life and contributing meaningfully to the world around us.
In modern contexts, this quote encourages self-improvement and lifelong learning. It challenges us to redefine progress in terms of personal development rather than external achievements. Wilde’s words remind us that true success comes not from ruling over others, but from achieving mastery over ourselves, cultivating knowledge, empathy, and purpose in everything we do. It is a call to live with intention and strive to become the best versions of ourselves, contributing to the world through authentic action and growth.
