“To expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect.”
- 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
“To expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde humorously reflects on the modern mindset and its ability to anticipate the unpredictable. He suggests that a truly modern intellect is one that has come to expect the unexpected, recognizing that life is full of surprises, chaos, and uncertainty. By acknowledging the unpredictable nature of existence, the modern intellect prepares itself for what cannot be anticipated, and in doing so, Wilde implies, becomes informed or open-minded enough to embrace the unconventional or unforeseen.
Wilde’s words also reflect his appreciation for the ironic contradictions inherent in life. The concept of expecting the unexpected is, in itself, an absurd but apt reflection of the modern condition, where we live with the knowledge that certainty is often elusive, and the world is filled with unpredictable events. Wilde’s wit draws attention to how expectations themselves can be upended, and the only certainty may be the presence of surprise.
In modern contexts, this quote can be seen as a reflection on the nature of uncertainty in contemporary life. Wilde’s words suggest that, in a world where change is constant and unexpected events frequently occur, it is not only reasonable but also necessary to embrace unpredictability. The quote invites us to reflect on how we approach life’s uncertainties and how a modern intellect recognizes that being prepared for surprises is part of living in an ever-changing world.
