42 Oscar Wilde Quotes To Know The Meaning of Life

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You must read Oscar Wilde Quotes to find motivation.

Oscar Wilde was born on 16 October 1854. He was an Irish poet and playwright. Oscar Wilde was known for his acclaimed works including ‘The Picture of Dorian Grey’ and ‘The Importance of Being Ernest’. Oscar Wilde has expressed his pain, depression, and humiliation in his literature. Oscar Wilde was arrested in 1895 due to an illegal affair with a young man and he was imprisoned for two years. His earned prestige, respect, and all achievements in society were destroyed. He died of poverty on 30 November 1900 at the age of 46. His beautiful creations impress people a lot. His novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and his play “The Importance of Being Earnest” are considered among the great literary works of the late Victorian period. Let’s read here Oscar Wilde Quotes to know about life.

Oscar Wilde Motivational Quotes

Read here some motivational quotes said by Oscar Wilde on various topics.

Life Quotes by Oscar Wilde

1. “Living in this world is a rare thing. Most people live like this.” ― Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde is saying that truly living and enjoying life is not common. Most people just exist without experiencing the beauty and excitement life has to offer. This quote inspires us to appreciate and make the most of our lives.

2. “Never love a person who treats you like an ordinary person.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote tells us not to love someone who doesn’t treat us with the special care and respect we deserve. It inspires us to value ourselves and seek relationships where we are treated as unique and important.

3. “Don’t love someone for their looks, or their clothes, or their fancy cars.” ― Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde is advising us not to love someone solely for their appearance or material possessions. This quote inspires us to look for deeper qualities like kindness, personality, and character when forming connections with others.

4. “A man can be happy with any woman as long as he does not love her.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote suggests that love can sometimes bring complexity and challenges. It inspires us to consider the importance of a simple and content life without complicating it with deep emotions.

5. “Life is not complex. We are complex. Life is simple, and the simple thing is the right thing.” ― Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde is telling us that life itself is not complicated; it’s our choices and actions that make it complex. He inspires us to seek simplicity and to make the right choices in life.

6. “Each of us has both heaven and hell with us.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote means that within each person, there are both good and bad qualities or experiences. It inspires us to acknowledge and balance these aspects in ourselves.

7. “When we are happy, we are good. But when we are good, it does not mean that we are happy.” ― Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde highlights that being happy often leads to us being kind and good to others. However, just being good doesn’t necessarily mean we are happy. This inspires us to prioritize our happiness and well-being.

8. “Life is a nightmare that prevents one from sleeping.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote humorously suggests that life can be so interesting and full of experiences that it keeps us awake like a nightmare. It inspires us to embrace life’s excitement and not be afraid of its challenges.

9. “The secret to staying young is to be happy always.” ― Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde is saying that happiness keeps us youthful. This quote inspires us to focus on maintaining a positive and happy outlook to stay young at heart.

10. “Always forgive your enemies.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote encourages us to forgive those who have wronged us, even our enemies. It inspires us to let go of grudges and find peace through forgiveness.

Inspiring Quotes by Oscar Wilde

11. “I am so clever that sometimes I do not understand a word of what I am saying.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote humorously suggests that being too clever or using big words can sometimes confuse even the smartest people. It inspires us to keep things simple and understandable in our communication.

12. “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” ― Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde means that even when life is tough (the “gutter”), some people still find beauty and hope (the “stars”). This quote inspires us to stay positive and see the good even in difficult times.

13. “A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything, and the value of nothing.” ― Oscar Wilde

A cynic is someone who cares only about the cost of things and doesn’t appreciate their true worth. This quote inspires us to value things for their importance, not just their price.

14. “The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote humorously suggests that sometimes it’s easier to give in to temptation than to resist it. It can inspire us to acknowledge our weaknesses and learn from our experiences.

15. “A passion for pleasure is the secret of remaining young.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote implies that enjoying life and finding pleasure keeps you feeling youthful. It inspires us to stay young at heart by seeking joy and happiness.

16. “Arguments are to be avoided, they are always vulgar and often convincing.” ― Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde advises that arguments can be unpleasant and persuasive, even when they’re not right. This quote inspires us to seek peaceful and respectful ways to communicate and resolve differences.

17. “Sin is something that is clearly visible on a man’s face. It cannot be hidden.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote suggests that wrongdoing or bad behavior can be seen in a person’s expression and actions. It inspires us to be aware of our choices and their impact on our image.

18. “Wickedness is a myth invented by good people to account for the curious attractiveness of others.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote playfully suggests that people often label others as wicked to explain their intriguing appeal. It inspires us to be open-minded and not judge people too quickly.

19. “No man is rich enough to buy back his past.” ― Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde means that no one can change their past, no matter how wealthy they are. This quote inspires us to make the most of the present and not dwell on past mistakes.

20. “Selfishness is not what one wants to live. Selfishness is what asking others to live like oneself.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote suggests that true selfishness is trying to make others live the way we want. It inspires us to be considerate and not impose our desires on others.

21. “Unselfishness is that someone leaves other people’s lives to live like theirs, never interfering with them.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote advises that unselfishness means letting others live their lives without interference. It inspires us to respect the choices and autonomy of others.

22. “The great events of the world take place in the brain.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote suggests that important changes and ideas start in the mind. It inspires us to use our thoughts and creativity to make a positive impact.

23. “Anybody can make history; only a great man can write it.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote means that anyone can be a part of significant events, but only exceptional individuals can document and shape history. It inspires us to strive for greatness and leave a lasting legacy.

Truth Quotes by Oscar Wilde:

25. “Truth is always pure, but never simple.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote means that truth is always honest and clear, but it’s not always easy to understand or explain. It inspires us to seek the truth even when it’s complex.

26. “The true mystery of the world which is visible to us, not the invisible.” ― Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde is saying that the real mysteries of the world are in what we can see, not in things that are hidden. This quote inspires us to explore and appreciate the wonders of the visible world.

27. “Those who dream can find their way through the moonlight. They see the dawn before the rest of the world.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote suggests that those who dream and are hopeful can find their way to success and happiness before others. It inspires us to have dreams and work towards our goals.

Quotes on Friendship by Oscar Wilde:

28. “A good friend will always stab you in the front.” ― Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde means that a true friend will be honest with you, even if it’s difficult. This quote inspires us to value friends who are sincere and upfront.

29. “Friendship is more painful than love. And it lasts longer.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote says that friendship can be more challenging than romantic love but often lasts longer. It inspires us to appreciate the depth and endurance of true friendships.

30. “One has a right to judge a man by the effect he has over his friends.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote means we can understand a person by seeing how they influence their friends. It inspires us to consider the impact of our friendships.

Quotes on Experience by Oscar Wilde:

31. “Experience is merely the name men gave to their mistakes.” ― Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde is saying that experience often comes from making mistakes. This quote inspires us to learn and grow from our errors.

32. “Where there is sorrow, there is holy ground.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote suggests that in times of sadness or suffering, there’s something sacred and meaningful. It inspires us to find hope and growth even in difficult moments.

Quotes on Morality by Oscar Wilde:

33. “Those who find ugly meanings in beautiful things are corrupt without being charming. This is a fault.” ― Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde is saying that people who see negativity in beautiful things are unattractive, morally speaking. It inspires us to appreciate beauty and goodness.

34. “Those who find beautiful meanings in beautiful things are cultivated. For these, there is hope.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote means that people who find beauty in beautiful things are cultured and have hope. It inspires us to seek the positive and meaningful aspects of life.

35. “Ordinary riches can be stolen, real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote tells us that true wealth is found within ourselves, and no one can steal our inner treasures. It inspires us to value our inner qualities and virtues.

36. “A gentleman is one who never hurts anyone’s feelings unintentionally.” ― Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde is saying that a true gentleman is considerate and doesn’t harm others accidentally. This quote inspires us to be polite and kind in our interactions.

37. “I don’t want to be at the mercy of my emotions. I want to use them, to enjoy them, and to dominate them.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote means that Oscar Wilde wants to control his emotions rather than letting them control him. It inspires us to manage our feelings and use them for our benefit.

Quotes on Personal Growth by Oscar Wilde:

38. “A man who is master of himself can end a sorrow easily.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote means that if a person can control their emotions and actions, they can overcome sadness more easily. It inspires us to develop self-control and resilience to face difficult times.

39. “A man who is master of himself can invent pleasure easily for himself.” ― Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde is saying that if you can control yourself, you can find happiness and enjoyment easily. It inspires us to take charge of our happiness and create joy in our lives.

40. “It is so easy to convince others; it is so difficult to convince oneself.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote suggests that persuading others is easy, but convincing yourself to believe or change is challenging. It inspires us to be introspective and open to self-improvement.

41. “Imagination is a quality that was given to man to compensate him for what’s not.” ― Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde means that imagination helps us cope with things we don’t have or can’t achieve. It inspires us to use our imagination to find solutions and create new possibilities.

42. “The sense of humor was given to console him from what is.” ― Oscar Wilde

This quote suggests that a sense of humor helps us find comfort and happiness even in difficult situations. It inspires us to appreciate the power of humor in coping with life’s challenges.

43. “Men always want to be a woman’s first love – women like to be a man’s last romance.” ― Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde is expressing that men often desire to be the first person a woman loves, while women prefer to be the last love in a man’s life. This quote inspires us to understand the different desires and priorities in relationships and love.

Final Words: I hope you liked the above Oscar Wilde Quotes. Don’t forget to mention the best line that you liked most from the above lines in the comment box below.

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All quotes are collected from Goodreads

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