“Ambition is the last refuge of the failure.”
- 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
“Ambition is the last refuge of the failure.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde offers a cynical critique of ambition, suggesting that for those who have failed to achieve success or realize their goals, ambition becomes the final recourse or excuse for continuing to pursue something that may never come to fruition. Wilde implies that when someone has not achieved tangible results, they cling to ambition as a way of justifying their efforts and keeping the hope of success alive, even if those efforts are ultimately futile. Ambition, in this context, is seen not as a positive driving force, but as a fallback for those who have failed to live up to their potential or expectations.
Wilde’s statement plays on the irony that ambition, often celebrated as a virtue or a catalyst for success, can be, for some, a mask for failure—a way to continue striving for something that remains out of reach, perhaps without recognizing that their ambition itself may be misguided or misplaced. It reflects Wilde’s satirical view of society’s idealization of ambition, suggesting that while ambition is often lauded, it can sometimes be a sign of unrealized dreams rather than achievement.
In modern contexts, this quote could be interpreted as a commentary on how ambition is not always synonymous with success. It challenges the notion that ambition is always a positive trait, encouraging us to consider whether the pursuit of ambition is always productive or whether it can sometimes be a cover for deeper failures or unaddressed realities. Wilde’s words invite us to reflect on how ambition should be tempered with realistic expectations and self-awareness to prevent it from becoming a crutch for those unwilling to confront their limitations.
