“Success is a science; if you have the conditions, you get the result.”
- 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
“Success is a science; if you have the conditions, you get the result.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde presents success as something that can be approached in a logical, almost scientific manner. He implies that success is not a matter of chance or mystery, but rather something that is achieved when the right conditions are met. Much like a scientific experiment, if the necessary variables are in place—whether that be hard work, timing, skill, or opportunity—then the desired outcome (success) will follow. Wilde’s use of the word “science” emphasizes the idea that success is not purely artistic or subjective, but something that can be systematically achieved by understanding and manipulating the factors that contribute to it.
This view of success as a science challenges the idea that it is simply about luck or talent. Wilde suggests that if the external conditions align—whether that be the right environment, resources, or circumstances—then success is inevitable. This perspective reflects a more pragmatic approach to success, focusing on the importance of preparation, planning, and strategy.
In modern contexts, this quote aligns with the belief that success is something that can be calculated and engineered. It speaks to the importance of creating the right conditions—whether through networking, education, or timing—to achieve one’s goals. Wilde’s words suggest that success is less about waiting for it to happen by chance and more about seizing the opportunities and setting up the framework for it to occur.
