Everything is dangerous, my dear fellow. If it wasn't so, life wouldn't be worth living.
Oscar WildeRead
It is only the superficial qualities that last. Man's deeper nature is soon found out.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Superficial traits may endure, but true character reveals itself over time.
This quote by Oscar Wilde reflects on the transient nature of superficial qualities and highlights the idea that one's true self is revealed as time progresses. It suggests that while outward appearances may initially create a lasting impression, the deeper aspects of a person's character will ultimately come to light, emphasizing the importance of authenticity over mere appearances.
Themes
SuperficialQualitiesNatureCharacterTruth
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about personal relationships to emphasize the importance of knowing someone's true character.
More from Oscar Wilde
All quotes βLondon is too full of fogs and serious people. Whether the fogs produce the serious people, or whether the serious people produce the fogs, I don't know.
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When one has never heard a man's name in the course of one's life, it speaks volumes for him; he must be quite respectable.
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Men always want to be a woman's first love - women like to be a man's last romance.
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A truth ceases to be true when more than one person believes in it.
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His morality is all sympathy, just what morality should be
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