“The world is divided into two classes, those who believe the incredible, and those who do the improbable.”
- 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 world is divided into two classes, those who believe the incredible, and those who do the improbable.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde draws a distinction between two kinds of people: those who are easily persuaded by the extraordinary or the unbelievable (the ones who “believe the incredible”) and those who are able to achieve or create something that seems impossible or highly unlikely (the ones who “do the improbable”). Wilde is highlighting the tension between idealism and pragmatism, suggesting that while some people are content to believe in the unreal or fantastical, others take on the challenge of making the impossible happen.
This observation also speaks to the optimism and boldness of those who are willing to act in ways that defy the odds, while skepticism and caution often shape those who believe in what seems incredible but may never be actualized. The quote reflects Wilde’s admiration for individual effort and the courage to pursue the improbable, suggesting that action and achievement are ultimately more meaningful than passive belief in the fantastical.
In modern contexts, this quote can be seen as a reflection on how human potential and ambition are divided into those who dream and those who dare to create. It encourages us to move beyond mere belief and take on the challenge of doing the extraordinary, even when it seems impossible. Wilde’s words urge us to see that true innovation and progress come from those who venture into the improbable rather than being content with believing in the incredible.
