“When good Americans die they go to Paris.”
- 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
“When good Americans die they go to Paris.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde humorously comments on the cultural stereotypes of both America and France, particularly in the context of their respective relationships to art, culture, and society. Wilde suggests that the ultimate destination for a good (meaning cultured or refined) American is Paris, the city that represents artistic freedom, elegance, and the refinement of European culture. The idea that Americans, in their pursuit of culture and sophistication, go to Paris after they die implies that Paris is the final resting place for those who seek true civilization—a contrast to the pragmatic or commercial nature that Wilde often associated with America.
Wilde’s comment also reflects his views on American society in the late 19th century, which he often critiqued as materialistic and lacking in the aesthetic appreciation he admired in European cultures, particularly France. For Wilde, Paris symbolized the artistic and intellectual haven that offered a respite from the commercialism of the modern world.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the ongoing cultural romance with Paris as the center of art, fashion, and refinement, and the way that Paris continues to be seen as a mecca for those seeking a more sophisticated or artistic lifestyle. Wilde’s words also reflect the historical perception of Paris as the cultural capital of the Western world, particularly for those who valued creativity and artistic expression over material success.
