“Whenever people agree with me I always feel I must be wrong.”
- 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
“Whenever people agree with me I always feel I must be wrong.”
Explanation
In this quote, Oscar Wilde humorously reflects on his skepticism and self-awareness in relation to his own ideas. He suggests that when others agree with him, it makes him doubt his own position, as if consensus signals a lack of challenge or depth in his thinking. Wilde’s cynicism here implies that true intellectual rigor comes from disagreement and debate, not from easy affirmation. For Wilde, agreement often suggests that his views are too conventional or have not been critically examined, and therefore, he feels a sense of discomfort or self-doubt when others are in alignment with him.
This quote reflects Wilde’s belief in the value of contradiction and the importance of maintaining a critical and independent perspective. He suggests that original thought is often marked by resistance or challenge, and that true ideas should provoke thought and sometimes controversy rather than merely receiving uncritical support.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the complexity of intellectual engagement and the need for healthy skepticism in our own beliefs. It encourages us to reflect on the ways in which we seek affirmation from others, and whether our ideas truly hold up when questioned. Wilde’s words challenge us to embrace disagreement as a sign of growth and progress, rather than viewing it as something to be avoided.
