“Deceiving others. That is what the world calls a romance.”
- 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
“Deceiving others. That is what the world calls a romance.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde critiques the romanticized view of romance in society, suggesting that what is often called a “romance” is, in reality, a form of deception. Wilde is pointing out the idealization of love and relationships, which are often portrayed in literature, media, and social narratives as perfect, passionate, and idealized. However, the underlying truth, according to Wilde, is that these portrayals often involve misleading or false perceptions of love, either by misrepresenting the nature of relationships or concealing the flaws and complexities that come with them.
Wilde’s use of irony underscores his belief that society’s expectations of romance are frequently built on illusion and fantasy, and that deception—whether by omission or distortion—plays a key role in the way love is conceived. He also suggests that this deception is not seen as negative, but is instead celebrated as part of the romantic ideal, which is often more about creating an illusion of perfection than acknowledging the realities of human relationships.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with the way romantic love is often idealized and commercialized in popular culture, leading to unrealistic expectations. Wilde’s words invite us to consider how authenticity and honesty are sometimes overlooked in favor of the illusion of romance, urging us to seek a deeper understanding of love that goes beyond the superficial fantasies we are often sold.
