“If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life.”
- October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900
- Irish
- Author, poet, playwright
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Quote
“If you are not too long, I will wait here for you all my life.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde expresses a romantic and ironic sentiment about love and patience. On the surface, it sounds like a poetic declaration of devotion, where the speaker promises to wait for someone forever, as long as their absence isn’t too lengthy. However, the phrase “if you are not too long” introduces an element of realism and pragmatism to the otherwise idealistic idea of eternal waiting. Wilde’s choice to add this condition reflects his characteristic wit, suggesting that while love may be boundless, it is not immune to the practical limits of time and human endurance.
This quote plays on the tension between the romantic ideal of eternal love and the reality that time, distance, and the human condition can test even the strongest emotions. It suggests that while love can be enduring, it also involves compromise and an understanding that impatience and reality will inevitably shape the course of our desires.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with the balance between idealistic love and the real-world limitations that affect relationships. Wilde’s words remind us that while love can inspire devotion and sacrifice, it also requires a pragmatic understanding of time, patience, and the circumstances that shape our lives. It encourages us to reflect on how expectations and commitments in relationships are influenced by both idealism and practicality.
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