“In modern life nothing produces such an effect as a good platitude. It makes the whole world kin.”
- 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.
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Quote
“In modern life nothing produces such an effect as a good platitude. It makes the whole world kin.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde humorously critiques the way that platitudes, or overused and simplistic statements, can have a unifying effect on people. He suggests that these trite expressions—often meant to offer wisdom or comfort—are so universally accepted and understood that they bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds or differences. While platitudes may lack depth or originality, they create a sense of commonality by appealing to broad, easily recognizable ideas that everyone can relate to, even if the message is rather surface-level.
Wilde’s wit shines through in his recognition of the banality of platitudes. While they may seem to bring people together in agreement, Wilde suggests that they do so in a way that avoids the complexities and nuances of true understanding. Platitudes allow people to feel connected without actually engaging in the deeper, more challenging work of discussing complex ideas or confronting difficult truths. In Wilde’s view, the effectiveness of a platitude is not based on its truth or originality but on its ability to resonate with people’s shared, simplistic assumptions.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with the way simplistic expressions or clichés are often used to create a sense of unity or comfort, especially in difficult or uncertain times. While platitudes may have a unifying effect, Wilde’s words remind us of the importance of seeking deeper and more meaningful connections, rather than settling for easy, surface-level solutions to complex issues. Wilde’s words encourage us to move beyond simplified answers and strive for more thoughtful, authentic dialogue.
