Skip to content

What does the actual lapse of time got to do with it? It…

“What does the actual lapse of time got to do with it? It is only shallow people who require years to get rid of an emotion. A man who is master of himself can end a sorrow as easily as he can invent a pleasure. I don't want to be at the mercy of my emotions. I want to use them, to enjoy them, and…” quote by Oscar Wilde
Download Open image
““What does the actual lapse of time got to do with it? It is only shallow people who require years to get rid of an emotion. A man who is master of himself can end a sorrow as easily as he can invent a pleasure. I don't want to be at the mercy of my emotions. I want to use them, to enjoy them, and to dominate them.””

Oscar Wilde

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Mastery over one's emotions allows a person to transform sorrow into pleasure, using feelings as tools rather than being ruled by them.

In simple terms: Control emotions to shape experience.

Key Takeaway

Emotional mastery enables deliberate joy.

Themes

emotional intelligence self‑control philosophy

Mood

assertive philosophical

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • stressful work periods
  • relationship conflicts
  • creative blocks

Key Concepts

mind‑body agency psychological resilience

Practical Applications

  • Practice mindfulness to observe emotions before reacting.

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you successfully turned a negative feeling into a positive outcome?
  • What are the risks of trying to completely dominate your emotions?
A Different Perspective

Attempting to dominate emotions can suppress healthy processing and lead to repression.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Oscar Wilde

Explore all 3,343 Oscar Wilde quotes

More Emotion quotes

Browse all 7,204 Emotion quotes