“The advantage of the emotions is that they lead us astray.”
- 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
“The advantage of the emotions is that they lead us astray.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde reflects on the deceptive nature of emotions. He suggests that emotions, while often seen as a powerful guide in our lives, can also be misleading and take us in directions that are not always rational or wise. Wilde highlights the advantage of emotions lying precisely in their ability to divert us, as they can lead to unexpected or irrational choices that might have both positive and negative outcomes. In some sense, emotions might free us from logic and create opportunities for experiences and decisions that we would not otherwise make if we relied strictly on reason.
Wilde’s statement also speaks to the tension between reason and emotion in human behavior. While emotions can often be seen as irrational or illogical, Wilde seems to appreciate that they can also offer a sense of freedom and spontaneity—taking us on paths we might not have anticipated. This aligns with Wilde’s broader belief in embracing life’s sensual and imaginative elements, rather than being constrained by cold logic or conventional thinking.
In modern contexts, this quote can be understood as a reminder that emotions, while often unpredictable and prone to error, can also bring about the unforeseen and exciting in life. Wilde’s words suggest that sometimes, emotion may lead us to discover new truths, even if it means stepping away from the certainty of rational thought. It encourages us to embrace the chaos and spontaneity that emotions bring, while also acknowledging their potential to lead us astray.
