“There is something terribly morbid in the modern sympathy with pain. One should sympathise with the colour, the beauty, the joy of life. The less said about life’s sores the better.”
- 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.
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Quote
“There is something terribly morbid in the modern sympathy with pain. One should sympathise with the colour, the beauty, the joy of life. The less said about life’s sores the better.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde critiques what he sees as an unhealthy obsession with suffering in modern society. He suggests that people are too focused on pain and misery, and that this preoccupation has become overly romanticized or idealized. Wilde argues that rather than dwelling on the negative aspects of life, people should focus their attention on the beauty, joy, and vibrancy that life has to offer. His comment is a critique of the tendency to elevate suffering or victimhood, instead advocating for a celebration of the positive and life-affirming aspects of existence.
Wilde’s philosophy aligns with his aestheticism, which values beauty and the pursuit of pleasure as essential elements of life. For Wilde, the emphasis on pain and suffering in art and life detracts from the joy and fulfillment that one should seek. He acknowledges that suffering is an inevitable part of the human experience, but believes it should not dominate our lives or conversations. Instead, we should embrace the color and joy of living, focusing on the enriching and uplifting aspects of existence.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the cultural tendency to focus on tragedy or victimization, particularly in media and social discourse. Wilde’s words encourage us to shift our focus from constantly highlighting the sore points of life to celebrating the good—the beauty, creativity, and happiness that also exist in abundance. It’s a call to seek a more balanced and joyful perspective, one that acknowledges pain but does not let it define us.
