“It is always the unreadable that occurs.”
- 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 always the unreadable that occurs.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde reflects on the unpredictability and chaos of life, suggesting that the most significant or unexpected events are often the ones that are impossible to anticipate or difficult to comprehend. Wilde plays on the idea that what is readable—or understandable, foreseeable, and logical—is often not what happens in life. Instead, it is the unreadable, the unpredictable, and the incomprehensible that truly shape our experiences. This statement speaks to the mystery of existence, where the future is rarely clear, and the events that occur are often beyond our control or understanding.
Wilde’s comment also captures his characteristic irony and cynicism. By referring to life’s most unfathomable occurrences as “unreadable,” he suggests that we are often confronted with inexplicable or irrational events, much like a book that cannot be easily understood. These unreadable events are often the ones that challenge our assumptions, break our expectations, and force us to confront the limits of our understanding.
In modern contexts, this quote can be understood as a reflection on the uncertainty and chaos of contemporary life, where events often unfold in ways that defy explanation or reason. Wilde’s words encourage us to embrace the unpredictability of life, acknowledging that the most impactful experiences may be those that are not easily interpreted or understood.
