10 Meaningful Oscar Wilde Quotes ...

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This isn’t the first time you’ll see something about temptation here, because Oscar has such a way of saying what just about everyone thinks at one time or another, over something. This is from "The Picture of Dorian Gray," which is a virtual treasure chest of witticisms.

This sounds incredibly snarky on the surface, but then you step back and consider it for a second. I do, at least, and it really is true. Most of my experience has come from making mistakes – I’m still learning that way, every day! This is from the spectacular play, "Lady Windmere’s Fan."

Also from Lady Windmere’s Fan, it speaks a rather profound truth as well. It’s so easy to resist anything else, even if it’s only a little thing. Wilde always makes me feel guilty, for instance, for eating something I know I shouldn’t when I’m trying to keep my diet moderated.

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I do not think this is true! I can see the stereotype it comes from, especially when you see it in context in "An Ideal Husband." But still, this is meaningful to me because … it’s really great to use in an argument. Yeah, I do it. Not seriously though.

Oh, I love this quote. To me it speaks of freedom and it both praises and encourages personal style. Of course, given its source, it was no doubt meant to send those messages. This bit of advice found in "An Ideal Husband" is much better! If you want to wear it and you own it, then it’s cool!

In "The Happy Prince," Wilde makes known his feelings about popular fashion. I think it still stands as true. That’s all the explanation I can think of for certain trends in fashion. Just lately, the makeup trend of bleached or entirely gone eyebrows strikes me as a prime example of the sentiment here. That gives me the willies.

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I think this is true not just of actors and actresses, but also of everyday people. I’m that way. I can be more honest when it’s not me face to face someone. That’s why I generally choose to write letters – or at least it’s why I should!

This quote is incredibly meaningful to me. Found in "A Woman of No Importance," it’s one of those things you wish certain people would be forced to get tattooed to their foreheads. At least, a lot of people should be made to memorize it. It’s got a good lesson.

This quote speaks to me as a writer. Since it is found in "The Soul of a Man" under Socialism, you can safely assume it spoke that way to Wilde as well. It completely defines his responses to criticisms and worse throughout his life.

This is my top most favorite. It’s quoted in "The Importance of Being Earnest." It always makes me smile. It's so true, isn't it?

I also adore the movie "Wilde," with Stephen Fry and Jude Law, by the way. Who knew House’s very best IRL friend would channel Wilde like that? Do you any of your favorite writers have quotes that are meaningful to you?

Top Photo Credit: HelloI'mJulia.