“If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.”
- 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
“If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde suggests that true value in a book comes from its timelessness and depth. He argues that a book should not just be a one-time experience, but something that offers new insights, emotions, or enjoyment each time it is revisited. If a book does not have the capacity to engage and sustain interest on multiple readings, then it lacks the qualities that make it worth reading in the first place. For Wilde, literature that can be read repeatedly and still be enjoyable is of a higher artistic caliber, because it offers layers of complexity and meaning that deepen with each re-reading.
Wilde’s view reflects his broader belief in aestheticism and the importance of art that is not only beautiful but also rich and enduring. He suggests that the true merit of a work lies in its ability to stand the test of time and revelation, constantly offering something valuable to the reader each time it is engaged with. This view also highlights the subjectivity of reading—how books that resonate on a deeper level can reveal new things to different readers at different times in their lives.
In modern contexts, this quote invites us to reflect on the quality of the books we read and the value of those works that invite repeated engagement. It encourages us to seek out literature that has the ability to evolve with our understanding, offering lasting enjoyment and wisdom rather than mere entertainment or distraction. Wilde’s words challenge us to think about what makes a book truly worth reading and to appreciate those works that reveal depth, complexity, and beauty over time.
