“It is only the modern that ever becomes old-fashioned.”
- 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 only the modern that ever becomes old-fashioned.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde reflects on the cyclical nature of fashion, taste, and cultural trends. He suggests that the very thing we deem modern today will eventually become outdated or old-fashioned as time progresses. Wilde’s comment highlights the transitory nature of what is considered new or innovative. As societies evolve, what is initially seen as cutting-edge or avant-garde eventually loses its novelty and is replaced by newer ideas and trends. In this sense, the modern era, once defined by its current innovations, inevitably becomes part of the past.
This quote also critiques the human tendency to cling to the present and seek constant change, while overlooking the inevitable passage of time. Wilde’s words point out the irony in how society constantly strives for the new, only to watch it become obsolete as the cycle continues.
In modern contexts, this quote serves as a reminder that fads, trends, and innovations are often fleeting, and that what is seen as modern today may soon be regarded as outdated. Wilde’s words encourage us to be aware of the passage of time and to appreciate the inevitable nature of change, recognizing that even the most contemporary ideas will eventually be superseded by new ways of thinking or living.
