“Writing bores me so.”
- 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
“Writing bores me so.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde humorously expresses his boredom with the act of writing, despite being one of the most prolific and renowned writers of his time. Wilde’s words are ironic, as they seem to contradict the expectation that a successful writer would be deeply passionate about their craft. By claiming that writing bores him, Wilde is poking fun at the tedium of the writing process and perhaps even mocking the romanticized notion of writing as a deeply fulfilling or effortlessly creative endeavor.
Wilde’s comment may also reflect his view that writing, like any other artistic process, can become exhausting or unpleasant when it is pursued with expectation or obligation rather than inspiration. His remark may suggest that while writing can be a powerful and meaningful form of expression, it is not always a source of joy or satisfaction for the writer, especially when it is done to meet external expectations or commercial demands.
In modern contexts, this quote can be seen as a reminder that even the most successful or talented writers are not immune to the frustrations and mundane aspects of the writing process. Wilde’s words invite us to acknowledge that the act of creation, no matter how esteemed, can sometimes feel like a burden rather than a joy, encouraging us to appreciate the more human side of artistic work. It also highlights the tension between the creative passion that drives an artist and the laborious nature of bringing that creativity into the world.