Harry Quote by Oscar Wilde
““I know he likes me. Of course I flatter him dreadfully. I find a strange pleasure in saying things to him that I know I shall be sorry for having said...Then I feel, Harry, that I have given away my whole soul to someone who treats it as if it were a flower to put in his coat, a bit of decoration to charm his vanity, an ornament for a summer's day.””
About This Quote
Source Play: Lady Windermere's Fan, 1892
A speaker confesses that flattery is a hollow exchange, feeling their soul given away for superficial admiration.
In simple terms: Flattery feels empty and draining.
Key Takeaway
Beware of relationships built on shallow praise.
Themes
flattery
self‑worth
relationships
authenticity
Mood
melancholic
introspective
Type
literary
emotional
When to use this quote
- friendships
- romantic pursuits
- professional networking
Key Concepts
psychology
social dynamics
self‑esteem
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we seek validation from others?
- How can we protect our sense of self?
