“The old believe everything, the middle-aged suspect everything, the young know everything.”
- 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 old believe everything, the middle-aged suspect everything, the young know everything.”
Explanation
In this humorous and insightful quote, Oscar Wilde reflects on the differing perspectives that come with age and experience. He suggests that as people age, they move through stages of idealism, cynicism, and confidence. The old, with their life experience, are portrayed as trusting and inclined to believe things, perhaps because they have learned to accept the world as it is or have seen so much that they don’t feel the need to question everything. The middle-aged, on the other hand, become more suspicious and wary, perhaps because they’ve experienced the disappointments and betrayals that come with life’s complexities. Finally, the young are depicted as overconfident, knowing everything with the certainty of inexperience. Their belief in their own understanding of the world often leads to a more dogmatic approach to knowledge and truth.
Wilde’s quote humorously critiques these stages of life, showing how each age group has a distinct perspective shaped by their experiences—or lack thereof. It also reveals Wilde’s sharp wit about human nature, illustrating how our understanding of the world often changes based on where we are in our lives and how we interpret our personal experiences.
In modern contexts, this quote remains relevant as it touches on the changing attitudes toward knowledge and wisdom that occur throughout life. It suggests that while the idealism of youth, the cynicism of middle age, and the wisdom of old age all have their value, they also limit how we engage with the world. Wilde’s words encourage a balanced approach to life, one that recognizes the limits of both youthful certainty and age-related skepticism.
