“Perhaps, after all, America never has been discovered. I myself would say that it had merely been detected.”
- 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
“Perhaps, after all, America never has been discovered. I myself would say that it had merely been detected.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde offers a playful and ironic take on the discovery of America, suggesting that it wasn’t so much a true discovery—a grand unveiling of something previously unknown—but rather a detection of something that already existed but was simply unnoticed or ignored by those who hadn’t yet encountered it. Wilde’s choice of words reflects his wit and skepticism of historical narratives, particularly those that revolve around the concept of discovery, which often ignores the pre-existing realities of those who were already living in the land.
Wilde’s commentary also points to the Eurocentric view of history, where exploration and “discovery” are often attributed to European explorers, while the rich history and cultures of the indigenous peoples of the land are overlooked or erased. By calling it a “detection,” Wilde subtly critiques this historical arrogance and the imposition of new narratives onto places and people that already had their own history and identity.
In modern times, this quote serves as a reminder to question historical perspectives and to acknowledge the complexity of history from multiple viewpoints. It challenges the dominant narratives of discovery and exploration, encouraging us to reflect on how certain events are framed and whose voices are given priority in the telling of history. Wilde’s words invite us to reconsider what we think we “know” and to appreciate the depth and richness of histories that may have been overlooked or simplified.
