“Those whom the gods love grow young.”
- 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
“Those whom the gods love grow young.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde presents a poetic and somewhat idealized view of those who are favored by the gods, suggesting that they remain youthful and vibrant throughout their lives. Wilde is likely playing with the idea of immortality or agelessness as a metaphor for those who are in tune with the divine, eternal, or ideal qualities of life. The notion that those who are loved by the gods experience youth or renewal is an expression of the belief that spiritual favor or a life of virtue can keep one connected to a timeless essence, untouched by the ravages of age.
This sentiment speaks to Wilde’s belief in the transcendent and aesthetic aspects of life—how those who live authentically, pursuing beauty or truth, often seem to defy age or maintain their youthful vigor, as they are not weighed down by the mundanities of everyday life or material concerns. In contrast, those who are disconnected from the ideal or the divine might experience the decay and staleness associated with aging.
In modern contexts, this quote can be understood as a reflection on how spiritual health or living in accordance with one’s true self can lead to a sense of vitality and renewed energy, no matter one’s physical age. Wilde’s words invite us to reflect on the power of inner youth and how spiritual fulfillment can sustain us far beyond the physical changes of time.
