“The well bred contradict other people. The wise contradict themselves.”
- 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 well bred contradict other people. The wise contradict themselves.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde draws a distinction between two types of people: the well-bred and the wise. He suggests that well-bred individuals, who are often focused on maintaining social etiquette and decorum, engage in debates and arguments with others, often contradicting them to uphold a sense of propriety or to assert their own opinions in social settings. Their contradictions are driven by a desire to assert themselves in social situations and conform to expectations of politeness and rationality.
On the other hand, Wilde posits that the wise person is someone who embraces the complexity and fluidity of life. Wisdom comes not from rigidly adhering to a single viewpoint but from recognizing that life is full of contradictions and nuances. The wise person is open to re-evaluating their beliefs, willing to contradict themselves in order to arrive at a deeper understanding of the world. Wilde emphasizes that true wisdom involves the humility and openness to change one’s mind, acknowledging the limitations of one’s understanding rather than asserting a fixed position.
This quote reflects Wilde’s belief in the complexity of thought and the value of embracing intellectual flexibility. It encourages a shift away from the need to be right or to prove others wrong, and instead promotes a deeper acceptance of uncertainty and the importance of growth in our understanding. In modern contexts, Wilde’s words encourage us to embrace critical thinking, and to appreciate the evolution of ideas over the simple adherence to rigid beliefs.
