Tag Archives: Oscar Wilde

If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they’ll kill you.

If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh, otherwise they’ll kill you. – Oscar Wilde What does that mean? This quote is a variant on an ancient Mongolian Proverb: “A Man About To Tell The Truth Should Keep One … Continue reading

Posted in anger, emotion, help, humor, laughter, truth | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

It is absurd to divide people into good or bad. People are either charming or tedious.

It is absurd to divide people into good or bad. People are either charming or tedious. – Oscar Wilde What does that mean? There are many ways to divide people. By the color of their skin. By the value of their … Continue reading

Posted in friendship, good, ideals, judgement, reflection, tolerance | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead.

Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead. – Oscar Wilde What does that mean? A garden with all the flowers dead. That sounds bleak. Then add a lack of … Continue reading

Posted in attitude, focus, hope, improve, love, motivation | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.

Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go. – Oscar Wilde What does that mean? I like this quote, especially how it twists the words around to make two very similarly sounding phrases mean the exact opposites of each … Continue reading

Posted in communication, confidence, friendship, gratitude, kindness, value | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all. – Oscar Wilde What does that mean? To live, so many of us believe we do it, yet if we examine what we are doing, it … Continue reading

Posted in attitude, chocolate, concentration, happiness, improve, motivation | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. – Oscar Wilde What does that mean? Historically, the reference to being in the gutter usually refers to a drunk who is so drunk and … Continue reading

Posted in dream, growth, independence, perseverance, reflection, self improvement | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes.

Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes. – Oscar Wilde What does that mean? This quote is also listed in several places as “Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.” So, what do you call your … Continue reading

Posted in chocolate, failure, judgement, observation, question, thinking | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future

Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future. – Oscar Wilde What does that mean? This quote states that everyone who has been declared a Saint was, at one time, something less than saintly. This is a word … Continue reading

Posted in character, doing, improve, integrity, self resepct, virtue | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

Experience is one thing you can’t get for nothing

Experience is one thing you can’t get for nothing. – Oscar Wilde What does that mean? You might be able to bum a cigarette, invite yourself over to a friend’s house for a free lunch, or even get some free … Continue reading

Posted in common sense, education, foolish, growth, knowledge, laughter | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.

Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. – Oscar Wilde What does that mean? To me, this quote is about individuality and uniqueness of each of us. We are each unique, even identical twins. While they may act like each … Continue reading

Posted in belief, goals, individuality, originality, self improvement, self knowledge | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Ordinary riches can be stolen; real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you.

Ordinary riches can be stolen; real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you. – Oscar Wilde What does that mean? Ordinary riches are the things we buy, keep, hoard, hide and treasure. … Continue reading

Posted in habits, leadership, optimism, passion, tolerance, virtue | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Always forgive your enemies…

Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much. – Oscar Wilde What does that mean? Well, it seems to be stated as if it were a joke, a mind game to play with your enemies. But it is true, it will … Continue reading

Posted in compassion, forgiveness | Tagged , , | 3 Comments