Oscar Wilde was a famous Irish writer and poet.You might know him as the author of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” or the masterpieces (at least in my opinion, “The Importance of Being Earnest” and “An Ideal Husband”.
He is also famous for an amazing number of witty quotes. While he died destitute at the age of forty-six, his legacy lives on in the amazing body of work that he left behind. I actually had the fortune of staying at an AirBnB place on the same street where he grew up (Tite Street in London) which was a real treat for me. Since I’m a big fan, l am sharing some of my favorite quotes by him that inspire me to greater heights.
10 Awesome and Witty Oscar Wilde Quotes:
1) “When I was young I thought that money was the most important thing in life; now that I am old I know that it is.” Yes, this is in fact cheeky, but you have to admit that money will solve a lot of problems. Like l say, money might not bring me happiness, but l would happily park my yacht right next to it.
2) “All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his.” Think about it. In my youth, l prayed l would never be like my mum because she was so tough on us. As an adult, l realize l would do things exactly the same as it shaped me into being what l am today.
3) “There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” Accept the fact that haters will always hate. Nothing you can do but take the high road and keep being yourself. Jealousy is a horrible part of human nature, but don’t let it get you down.
4) “Morality is simply the attitude we adopt towards people whom we personally dislike.” How often do we judge based on our personal feelings towards someone? A prettier girl? Of course she’s dumb! Perhaps even a slut!
5) “I think that God, in creating man, somewhat overestimated his ability.” I always get a chuckle out of this one. I keep hoping there is a bigger plan.
6) “The only thing to do with good advice is pass it on. It is never any use to oneself.” Even after you have scaled the heights of success, lend a helping hand to the ones that are coming up behind you. Pay it forward.
7) “Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live.” A lot of times we don’t realize we’re doing it. We get so wrapped up in ourselves that we think the same is best for all. Not true!
8) “My own business always bores me to death; I prefer other people’s.” Gossip, backstabbing, belittling. The list goes on. The wise ones put the energy into their own lives. Learn from others, but forge your own path.
9) “When the gods wish to punish us, they answer our prayers.” Also known as Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.
10) “Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes.” I know l do. Learning from your past mistakes is always a good thing as it means you’re not going to repeat it. You should never let the fear of making a mistake disrupt your plans for a better future. Keep on moving and learning.
Pin It:
Are you familiar with Oscar Wilde? Which one of these is a favorite? Or do you have others to share?
His quotes are shared a lot across social media. I enjoyed reading this compilation, some funny and others very insightful.
Yeah..he really had good insight into humans. I love reading his stuff. I find them both amusing and spot on.
I’ve heard of many of these but I did not know they were from Wilde. A great post, Kemkem. Got a good laugh,too.
Thanks Carlana. He was a very interesting man. You should check out some of his other quotes and maybe movies made from his plays. Very insightful stuff.
I’ve never heard of Widle before. He quotes seem interesting though.
A very funny man who was dead on with his observations. He has so many witty sayings, a colorful life indeed.
I never heard of these quotes however, they are so timely.
Oh, he was full of them. You’re right they are very spot on and timely. If you check out some of his other more popular ones, you’ll get a good laugh 🙂
These are all great quotes! Awesome round up!
Thanks Latoya. I always find his stuff funny and spot on 🙂
I love great quotes especially inspirational ones. I use them in my journal and share them on social media. I especially like trying to formulate my own!
I try to formulate mine too, but l find that they are all pretty morbid so l rarely share :-). His are always witty and there are quite a few of them that are way more popular.
“There is only one thing in life worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” love this one! The worst thing is to be forgotten or live knowing I haven’t done anything noteworthy.
Exactly. I always think of the actors etc that say that there’s no such thing as bad publicity. I don’t want to be forgotten either 🙂
I am not familiar with Oscar Wilde but i can agree with his second quote. I see myself acting like my mom as i get older.. lol
You’ve probably heard some of his stuff, just not realized they were his. He has a whole bunch. Very observant man. Yep..we all do, and l think it’s a good thing. A lot of kids nowadays are too coddled..not a good prep for real life ;-).
These are really great quotes, some I already knew and new ones to inspire and motivate! I love it.
Thanks Sheri. I love thee way he was able to nail down man’s strength and weaknesses alike. Some funny, some cutting, but true stuff.
I am not a fan of his and will not take any of his work or quotes seriously.
He is a pretty much messed up human being like the rest of us.
http://www.distinguisheddiva.com/2016/10/happy-non-racistnon-offensive-and-non.html
We can’t all love the same thing. Life would be extremely boring. He was just way ahead of his time and was true to himself as a gay man. Every one is messed up in some way, and he recognized that which l find brilliant. One of the reasons why he is so popular 116 years after his death 🙂 .
love number 7
🙂
these are all really good. I’ll have to share some of these.
Thanks for sharing Jonna. He has a ton, but these are not as common 🙂
I’m always quoting Oscar Wilde when it comes to my business and friendships. He’s golden!
He has a whole bunch of good ones doesn’t he? He is indeed golden.. I love his stuff. If you get to see some plays made into movies, you should… Like An Ideal Husband.