“There are many things that we would throw away if we were not afraid that others might pick them up.”
- 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
“There are many things that we would throw away if we were not afraid that others might pick them up.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde humorously addresses the fear of judgment and the need for social approval that often dictates how we handle things in our lives. Wilde suggests that we often hold onto possessions or ideas not because we value them, but because we are concerned about how others might perceive us if we were to get rid of them. The fear that others might notice or take what we discard reflects a societal anxiety about appearing wasteful or careless, even if those things no longer serve us or have any real value.
Wilde’s comment underscores the irrationality of this tendency and points out the shallow nature of social norms that compel us to hold onto things for fear of what others might think. This speaks to Wilde’s broader critique of society, which often pressures individuals to conform to external expectations rather than act according to their own desires or authenticity.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to how consumer culture and societal expectations shape our decisions, not just about material possessions but also about ideas and values. It serves as a reminder that we often cling to things—whether physical or mental—not because they enrich our lives, but because we are afraid of how others might judge us if we let go of them. Wilde’s words encourage us to question the fear of judgment that prevents us from letting go of what is no longer useful or meaningful in our lives.
