Oscar Wilde

Quotes are word for word from the source.

• Creative freedom

  “In France, in fact, they limit the journalist, and allow the artist almost perfect freedom. Here we allow absolute freedom to the journalist, and entirely limit the artist.”

  Our noteWilde compares the cultural constraints placed on artists versus journalists in different societies.

• Innovation vs Tradition

  “For an educated person's ideas of Art are drawn naturally from what Art has been, whereas the new work of art is beautiful by being what Art has never been”

  Our noteWilde explains why judging new work by old standards prevents true appreciation of innovation.

• Seeking intense life

  “For what man has sought for is, indeed, neither pain nor pleasure, but simply Life. Man has sought to live intensely, fully, perfectly.”

  Our noteThe author describes the fundamental human desire to live a full and authentic life.

• Transcending suffering

  “When the wrong, and the disease, and the injustice are removed, it will have no further place. It will have done its work.”

  Our noteWilde argues that suffering is a temporary reaction to poor conditions, not a permanent necessity.