“America is the only country that went from barbarism to decadence without civilization in between.”
- 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 is the only country that went from barbarism to decadence without civilization in between.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde makes a satirical critique of the rapid development of American society. He suggests that America, in its rush to become a modern nation, skipped the middle stage of achieving true civilization—characterized by cultural, intellectual, and social development—and went straight from a primitive state (barbarism) to a state of decadence, marked by excess, materialism, and moral decline. Wilde’s comment reflects his view of America as a country that embraced progress and industrialization at the expense of culture, refinement, and ethical values that he associated with older European societies.
Wilde’s words reflect his broader critique of modernity and the rise of consumer culture, where superficial wealth and material success are often prioritized over the development of a richer, more nuanced culture. By drawing a stark contrast between barbarism, civilization, and decadence, Wilde is commenting on the lack of depth in American society, where rapid growth and technological advancement have failed to be matched by a similarly deep cultural or moral evolution.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to ongoing criticisms of consumerism and the superficiality of modern societies, especially in the face of rapid technological change. It invites reflection on the balance between progress and the preservation of culture, and whether societies are truly evolving in ways that benefit human development and integrity, or whether they risk becoming distracted by materialism and excess. Wilde’s words encourage us to think about the qualities that make a society truly civilized—qualities that go beyond wealth and power.
