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Life Quote by Oscar Wilde

“I can't explain. When I like people immensely, I never tell their names to any one. It is like surrendering a part of them. I have grown to love secrecy. It seems to be the one thing that can make modern life mysterious or marvellous to us. The commonest thing is delightful if one only hides it…” quote by Oscar Wilde
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““I can't explain. When I like people immensely, I never tell their names to any one. It is like surrendering a part of them. I have grown to love secrecy. It seems to be the one thing that can make modern life mysterious or marvellous to us. The commonest thing is delightful if one only hides it. When I leave town now I never tell my people where I am going. If I did, I would lose all my pleasure. It is a silly habit, I dare say, but somehow it seems to bring a great deal of romance into one's life. I suppose you think me awfully foolish about it?””

Oscar Wilde

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Soul of Man under Socialism, Oscar Wilde, 1891

The author values secrecy in relationships, believing hidden aspects add mystery, romance, and delight to life, and that revealing everything would diminish personal pleasure.

In simple terms: Keeping secrets makes life more mysterious and romantic.

Key Takeaway

Embrace selective privacy to preserve wonder.

Themes

privacy romance trust individuality

Mood

reflective nostalgic thoughtful

Type

philosophical personal literary

When to use this quote

  • dating
  • friendship
  • travel
  • creative work
  • personal branding

Key Concepts

existentialism social critique personal freedom

Questions to Reflect On

  • What do you keep hidden and why?
  • How does secrecy affect your relationships?
A Different Perspective

Over‑sharing can erode intimacy and trust.

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