“America had often been discovered before Columbus, but it had always been hushed up.”
- 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
“America had often been discovered before Columbus, but it had always been hushed up.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde humorously suggests that Columbus was not the first to discover the Americas, but rather the first to bring it into the public consciousness. Wilde implies that many explorers before Columbus had already reached the Americas, but their discoveries were either ignored, underestimated, or concealed for various reasons, perhaps due to lack of recognition or political expedience. The phrase “it had always been hushed up” plays with the idea that the importance of certain discoveries is often suppressed or downplayed until it suits broader narratives—in this case, the European conquest of the Americas.
Wilde’s remark also speaks to his belief in the absurdity of history, how events or discoveries can be manipulated, forgotten, or ignored depending on who holds power or influence. The quote suggests that the true history of exploration and discovery is often more complex than the dominant narratives we are taught, where certain facts are either hidden or distorted to serve specific interests.
In modern contexts, this quote can be understood as a critique of historical revisionism and how dominant powers shape our understanding of the past. It encourages us to question the official versions of history and to recognize that many discoveries, achievements, or perspectives may have been overlooked or intentionally suppressed. Wilde’s words remind us of the complexity of historical truth and the importance of reconsidering the narratives that shape our understanding of the world.
