“Anybody can be good in the country. There are no temptations there.”
- 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
“Anybody can be good in the country. There are no temptations there.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde humorously critiques the notion that rural life is inherently virtuous or morally superior to urban life. He suggests that it is easy to be good or virtuous when removed from the temptations and complexities of city life, where individuals are constantly challenged by their desires and impulses. The country, with its simpler, more peaceful environment, offers fewer distractions or moral tests, allowing people to appear good simply because they are not faced with the same temptations they would encounter in a more dynamic and challenging urban setting.
Wilde’s comment also reflects his broader views on human nature and society, particularly his ironic take on moral behavior. He suggests that true virtue cannot be measured by the absence of temptation, but by how one acts when confronted with challenges and opportunities to do wrong. In other words, morality is not about escaping temptation, but about how one responds to it.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with the idea that character is not defined by the environment we live in, but by our choices and decisions in the face of temptation. Wilde’s words encourage us to recognize that true moral strength is demonstrated not in idealized or sheltered settings, but in the complexities and difficulties of real life, where we must confront and navigate the challenges that arise.
