“An excellent man; he has no enemies; and none of his friends like him.”
- 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.
table of contents
Quote
“An excellent man; he has no enemies; and none of his friends like him.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde humorously critiques the notion of perfection and social harmony. He suggests that someone who is “excellent”—in the sense of being morally upright, virtuous, or admirable—may be so unapproachable or boring in their perfection that they fail to attract true affection or genuine friendship. In Wilde’s view, this “perfect” man may not have any enemies because he is blandly agreeable or non-threatening, but his lack of flaws or vibrant personality leads to a lack of emotional connection with those around him. This critique reveals Wilde’s belief that true friendships and relationships often involve imperfections, conflict, and passion, rather than sterile, conflict-free perfection.
This perspective on human nature aligns with Wilde’s broader philosophy that emphasizes the complexity and depth of individuals. He often critiqued the conventional ideals of morality and social behavior, arguing that they were stifling and ultimately unappealing. Wilde valued wit, individuality, and a certain amount of disruption to the social order, all of which make a person interesting and relatable to others. In this context, an “excellent” man without enemies or friends may be a product of a society that values compliance over authenticity.
In modern times, Wilde’s quote serves as a reminder that perfection in a person can often be a barrier to forming genuine relationships. It encourages us to embrace flaws, imperfections, and even conflicts as parts of what make us human and capable of forming deep, meaningful connections. Perfection, in Wilde’s view, may come at the cost of true engagement with the world and others.
