“It is a very sad thing that nowadays there is so little useless information.”
- 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
“It is a very sad thing that nowadays there is so little useless information.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde humorously laments the lack of “useless” information in modern times, reflecting his fondness for the trivial, the unnecessary, and the irrelevant. Wilde often celebrated the beauty of art, aesthetic experiences, and intellectual pursuits that didn’t have immediate practical value but offered joy, creativity, and intrigue. By calling attention to the decline of useless information, he implies that society has become too focused on practicality, efficiency, and usefulness, losing sight of the pleasure that can come from indulging in meaningless or irrelevant knowledge.
Wilde’s perspective challenges the modern obsession with productivity and utilitarianism, encouraging a more playful and intellectual approach to life. For Wilde, the pursuit of knowledge should not always be bound by the need to serve a purpose or produce immediate results. Instead, the exploration of quirky or eccentric facts—knowledge that has no practical use—can expand the mind, inspire creativity, and make life more enriching.
In today’s world, this quote can be seen as a reminder to value curiosity for its own sake and to embrace the joy of learning things that are simply interesting or amusing. Wilde’s words encourage us to step away from the constant pressure of functionality and appreciate the freedom and beauty that comes from exploring the unnecessary or pointless aspects of life, where true creativity and innovation often emerge.
