“Laughter is not at all a bad beginning for a friendship, and it is far the best ending for one.”
- 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
“Laughter is not at all a bad beginning for a friendship, and it is far the best ending for one.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde highlights the role of laughter in both the beginning and end of a friendship. He suggests that laughter, in its most authentic form, can be the perfect starting point for a friendship because it represents a shared joy, connection, and lightheartedness between two people. It creates an easy entry into deeper understanding and mutual affection. However, Wilde also emphasizes that laughter can be the ideal ending to a friendship, suggesting that, in some cases, the best way to part ways is with humor—accepting the impermanence of relationships and finding peace in the joy they once brought.
This quote reflects Wilde’s belief in the fleeting nature of human relationships and his love for wit and humor as essential parts of life. For Wilde, laughter is both a means of bonding and a tool for letting go. It underscores the idea that friendship, while meaningful, need not be burdened by seriousness, and that humor can offer resolution when paths diverge.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the power of humor in relationships—how laughter can ease the formation of connections, provide comfort during tough times, and even help smoothly end a relationship without resentment. Wilde’s words remind us that laughter is not only a way to begin friendships, but also a way to embrace the natural ebbs and flows of relationships with grace and lightness.
