Philosophy Quote by Oscar Wilde
““How English you are, Basil! If one puts forward an idea to a real Englishman,— always a rash thing to do,—he never dreams of considering whether the idea is right or wrong. The only thing he considers of any importance is whether one believes it one’s self. Now, the value of an idea has nothing whatsoever to do with the sincerity of the man who expresses it. Indeed, the probabilities are that the more insincere the man is, the more purely intellectual will the idea be, as in that case it will not be colored by either his wants, his desires, or his prejudices. However, I don’t propose to discuss politics, sociology, or metaphysics with you. I like persons better than principles. Tell me more about Dorian Gray. How often do you see him?””
About This Quote
Source Play: The Picture of Dorian Gray, 1890
Wilde satirizes English arrogance, suggesting that confidence outweighs truth, and that insincerity can produce purer ideas untainted by personal bias.
In simple terms: English pride values self‑belief over idea merit.
Key Takeaway
Question confidence, not correctness.
Themes
arrogance
confidence
skepticism
truth
politics
Mood
wry
critical
ironic
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- debates
- political discussions
- personal interactions
- literary analysis
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
philosophy
social critique
identity
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you value confidence over truth?
- How does insincerity affect idea purity?
A Different Perspective
Overconfidence can blind one to genuine merit.
![“I never knew any man who had once tasted the sweetness of experimental knowledge, that ever afterward fasted after ye Vapour garlick and onions of phantasmatical seeming philosophy." [William Petty]” quote by Carl Zimmer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e5a/carl-zimmer-16331_knowledge_i-never-knew-any-man-who-had-once-tasted_1770.jpg)
