“I like persons better than principles, and I like persons with no principles better than anything else in the world.”
- 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
“I like persons better than principles, and I like persons with no principles better than anything else in the world.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde humorously and cynically expresses his preference for individuals over abstract ideals or principles. He suggests that while principles are often rigid, impersonal, and abstract, people are more complex, dynamic, and relatable. Wilde’s assertion that he prefers persons with no principles reflects his ironic view of society’s moral standards, suggesting that those who are not confined by rigid ideas of right and wrong are often more authentic, free-thinking, and interesting than those who strictly adhere to conventional morals or dogmas.
This quote aligns with Wilde’s broader philosophy of aestheticism and his belief in the value of individuality over the constraints of societal norms. He seems to be critiquing the notion that people should conform to certain moral principles, instead advocating for freedom of thought and action. In his view, it’s the person—the unique individual with their own quirks, desires, and imperfect nature—who is more intriguing than someone who rigidly follows a set of rules or principles.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the tension between idealism and human nature. It encourages us to question whether principles—whether moral, ethical, or political—truly capture the essence of the individual. Wilde’s words challenge us to appreciate the complexity of people, acknowledging that authenticity, imperfection, and freedom from rigid constraints can often be more appealing than idealized or conventional principles.
