“Most people die of a sort of creeping common sense, and discover when it is too late that the only things one never regrets are one’s mistakes.”
- 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
“Most people die of a sort of creeping common sense, and discover when it is too late that the only things one never regrets are one’s mistakes.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde reflects on the way that conformity and practicality often stifle creativity, passion, and the boldness that makes life truly meaningful. He suggests that people often succumb to a gradual adoption of common sense, or the safe, sensible way of thinking that society encourages, and in doing so, they lose the opportunity to take risks or pursue their true desires. The “creeping” nature of common sense implies that this shift happens slowly over time, often without individuals fully realizing it until later in life.
Wilde further suggests that regret often stems not from the mistakes we make, but from the missed opportunities, the things we didn’t try, or the decisions we made out of fear or adherence to societal norms. In fact, he argues, the things we regret the least are the mistakes we make—because mistakes are tied to the act of living fully, of daring to experience life outside the boundaries of caution.
This quote speaks to Wilde’s belief in the importance of individuality and bold action, challenging people to embrace life with passion, to make mistakes, and to value experiences over safety and conformity. It encourages us to see mistakes not as failures, but as essential steps in the journey toward personal growth, self-discovery, and authentic living.
