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You shut out from your society the gentle and the good…

“You shut out from your society the gentle and the good. You laugh at the simple and the pure. Living, as you all do, on others and by them, you sneer at self-sacrifice, and if you throw bread to the poor, it is merely to keep them quiet for a season.” quote by Oscar Wilde
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““You shut out from your society the gentle and the good. You laugh at the simple and the pure. Living, as you all do, on others and by them, you sneer at self-sacrifice, and if you throw bread to the poor, it is merely to keep them quiet for a season.””

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.

Society often dismisses kindness and humility, valuing self‑interest and superficiality over genuine compassion.

In simple terms: People ignore goodness, preferring selfishness.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and value true kindness.

Themes

society morality compassion

Mood

critical reflective

Type

ethical social commentary

When to use this quote

  • charitable acts
  • community building
  • personal reflection
  • social activism

Key Concepts

human nature social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you practice self‑sacrifice without seeking praise?
  • What social pressures discourage genuine compassion?
A Different Perspective

Kindness can be co‑opted for ulterior motives.

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