“Conversation about the weather is the last refuge of the unimaginative.”
- 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
“Conversation about the weather is the last refuge of the unimaginative.”
Explanation
In this witty remark, Oscar Wilde critiques the banality of small talk, particularly focusing on the topic of weather. He suggests that discussing the weather is often the safest, least original, and most uninspired form of conversation. For Wilde, such topics are a sign of lack of creativity or intellectual depth, as they do not engage the imagination or stimulate meaningful dialogue. He implies that those who are unable or unwilling to engage in more stimulating or thoughtful conversation often fall back on weather-related chatter as a convenient but ultimately shallow substitute.
Wilde’s critique can be understood in the context of his broader views on individuality and intellectual curiosity. Throughout his work, Wilde celebrated the spark of originality and wit, which he believed to be a mark of true intelligence and sophistication. By contrast, he saw small talk about weather as an indication of mediocrity, a topic that requires little effort or imagination to discuss.
In modern times, this quote still resonates, especially in social situations where conversation can often feel superficial or forced. It reminds us to seek out deeper connections and more meaningful conversations that challenge our intellects and engage our imaginations. While weather may be an easy fallback, Wilde encourages us to look beyond such conventional topics and explore the richness of human experience and ideas in our interactions with others.
