“Man is a rational animal who always loses his temper when he is called upon to act in accordance with the dictates of reason.”
- 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
“Man is a rational animal who always loses his temper when he is called upon to act in accordance with the dictates of reason.”
Explanation
In this humorous and insightful quote, Oscar Wilde points out the inherent contradiction in human nature. While humans are often described as rational animals, capable of logical thought and reason, Wilde highlights the irony that people frequently lose their temper or react emotionally when they are expected to act in a rational manner. This behavior, according to Wilde, reveals a fundamental tension between human emotion and reason, suggesting that while reason may be an ideal to strive for, it often comes into conflict with the more impulsive and irrational aspects of human behavior. Wilde’s wit exposes how individuals, despite their capacity for reason, often prefer to act on emotion rather than logic, particularly in situations that require self-control or discipline.
Wilde’s critique can be seen as part of his broader exploration of the flaws and paradoxes of human nature. Throughout his works, he frequently challenged the notion of rationality as the defining feature of humanity, arguing that emotion, passion, and instinct play just as significant a role in shaping our decisions. This quote specifically critiques the self-deception that often occurs when people pride themselves on their rationality, only to find that their emotional reactions undermine their attempts at logical thinking.
In modern times, this quote resonates with the ongoing debate around emotional intelligence versus rational decision-making. While reason is often celebrated as the ideal way to make decisions, many still struggle to act logically when emotions are involved. Wilde’s words serve as a reminder of the competing forces within us—between intellect and emotion—and the challenges we face in trying to reconcile the two. His humor highlights the irony of human nature, encouraging us to embrace both reason and emotion as integral parts of our experience.
