“Romance should never begin with sentiment. It should begin with science and end with a settlement.”
- 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
“Romance should never begin with sentiment. It should begin with science and end with a settlement.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde humorously offers a pragmatic and cynical take on romantic relationships, suggesting that they should be based not on sentimental emotions but on logical and scientific principles. By proposing that romance should “begin with science,” Wilde implies that relationships could benefit from a more rational, calculated approach—perhaps considering factors such as compatibility, mutual interests, and practical concerns before diving into the emotional or idealized aspects of romance. The phrase “end with a settlement” suggests that romance should ultimately lead to a pragmatic resolution, such as marriage or a financial agreement, rather than remaining in the realm of unpredictable emotion or passion.
Wilde’s statement plays on the contrast between the idealism often associated with romance—with its emphasis on emotion, passion, and sentimentality—and the realism of relationships, which, in Wilde’s view, should be approached more like a business arrangement or negotiation. This reflects Wilde’s characteristic wit and satire regarding the contradictions in human relationships and societal expectations.
In modern contexts, this quote can be seen as a critique of romantic idealism and the tendency to romanticize relationships without considering the practical realities of what makes a relationship sustainable. Wilde’s words challenge us to think about the balance between emotion and reason in relationships, suggesting that while sentiment is important, a relationship should ultimately be grounded in rationality and practical agreements to endure in the long run.
