Everything is dangerous, my dear fellow. If it wasn't so, life wouldn't be worth living.
Oscar WildeRead
JACK Your duty as a gentleman calls you back. ALGERNON My duty as a gentleman has never interfered with my pleasures in the smallest degree.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote humorously highlights the tension between social responsibilities and personal pleasures.
In this exchange between Jack and Algernon from Oscar Wilde's play, the characters are discussing the concept of duty and pleasure. Jack feels obligated to adhere to the responsibilities of being a gentleman, while Algernon asserts that his sense of duty has never prevented him from enjoying his personal indulgences. This reflects a common struggle between societal expectations and individual desires, illustrating Wilde's wit and perspective on the absurdities of social conventions.
Themes
DutyPleasureGentlemanRelationshipsSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a conversation about balancing work and personal life, one might quote Wilde to emphasize the importance of enjoyment.
More from Oscar Wilde
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