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It is very vulgar to talk about one's own business. Only people like stockbrokers do that, and then only at dinner parties.
Oscar Wilde
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Talking about personal affairs is considered rude, except for certain professions and social situations.

In this quote, Oscar Wilde highlights the social faux pas of discussing one's own business or personal matters in public settings, suggesting that such behavior is only acceptable among specific professions, like stockbrokers, and typically during informal gatherings. Wilde's witty remark reflects societal norms and the comedic absurdity of how certain topics are deemed appropriate in social discourse.

Themes

VulgarityBusinessSocietyDinnerNorms

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used to lighten the mood at a social gathering where someone is overly sharing personal business.

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