Books Quote by Oscar Wilde
“Formerly we used to canonize our heroes. The modern method is to vulgarize them. Cheap editions of great books may be delightful, but cheap editions of great men are absolutely detestable.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Soul of Man under Socialism, 1891
Modern culture reduces revered figures to cheap, superficial versions, eroding true respect.
In simple terms: Great men are cheap when trivialized.
Key Takeaway
Respect true greatness, avoid cheapening.
Themes
respect
culture
heroism
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education
- media criticism
- public discourse
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
celebration
devaluation
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance accessibility with reverence?
- What are the consequences of trivializing role models?
A Different Perspective
Cheapening can sometimes increase accessibility but risks distortion.
