Oscar Wilde

Principles are our summary of their public statements.

• Adopt the historical standpoint

  Decisions

  When evaluating work that is not of the highest order, judge it within the context of its own time and contemporary standards.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Miscellanies  (opens in a new tab)

• Avoid Premature Self Praise

  Marketing

  A creator or publisher should not issue premature panegyrics for their own work, as it prejudices the audience and critics against the product.

  Supporting quotes

  • “No publisher should ever express an opinion of the value of what he publishes. That is a matter entirely for the literary critic to decide.”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Integrate Data with Theory

  Strategy

  One should not rely solely on abstract theories or raw data; instead, use real-world facts to refine and improve theoretical models.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

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• Honor the Pioneers

  Leadership

  Success belongs not just to those who finish the race, but to those who had the courage to start it.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Miscellanies  (opens in a new tab)

• Observe with Scientific Precision

  Learning

  Use close observation and a sense of limitation to maintain clarity of vision in any creative pursuit.

  Supporting quotes

  • “I will not try to give you any abstract definition of beauty--any such universal formula for it as was sought for by the philosophy of the eighteenth century”

  2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

• Master the Tools of Expression

  Learning

  A creator must focus on perfecting their craft and language to effectively deliver their message, rather than relying on raw inspiration alone.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

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• Eliminate the ignorant middleman

  Sales

  A business should foster a direct connection between the maker and the customer to ensure value and appreciation.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

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• Create Beauty Instead of Copying It

  Creativity

  Do not look for ready-made beauty in the world; instead, use your unique perspective to create beauty from any subject, even those considered ugly.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

  Source Miscellanies  (opens in a new tab)

• Hide the Labor

  Product

  True mastery is achieved when the final result appears effortless and all signs of the technical process have been removed.

  3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.

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• Bridge high art and commerce

  Content

  Successful creators find ways to discuss high-level concepts like the Renaissance or Virgil within popular magazines.

  Source Miscellanies  (opens in a new tab)