“One of the many lessons that one learns in prison is, that things are what they are and will be what they will be.”
- 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
“One of the many lessons that one learns in prison is, that things are what they are and will be what they will be.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde reflects on a lesson of acceptance he learned during his time in prison. He suggests that imprisonment taught him the futility of resistance to the reality of life. Things are what they are, and no amount of struggle or frustration can change certain aspects of life that are beyond our control. The phrase “will be what they will be” reflects a sense of inevitability and detachment, acknowledging that much of life unfolds according to forces outside our influence.
This idea connects to Wilde’s broader philosophy on suffering and acceptance. In prison, Wilde faced profound personal hardship and loss, but through this experience, he came to realize that rather than fight against the circumstances, it is often more peaceful and wise to accept things as they come. The quote speaks to the wisdom of acceptance—the understanding that some things, especially in situations of great hardship, cannot be changed, and the only path forward is to endure and adapt.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with the concept of letting go of the need to control everything in life. It encourages us to find peace by acknowledging the things that we cannot change, rather than trying to force them to be different. Wilde’s words speak to the value of embracing the inevitable, focusing on how we respond to it, and finding acceptance even in challenging circumstances.
