Books Quote by Oscar Wilde
“Literature must rest always on a principle, and temporal considerations are no principle at all. For, to the poet, all times and places are one; the stuff he deals with is eternal and eternally the same: no theme is inept, no past or present preferable.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Decay of Lying" by Oscar Wilde, 1891
Art transcends time; all eras share the same eternal truths, so no era is superior.
In simple terms: All times are equal in art.
Key Takeaway
Value timeless themes.
Themes
art
eternity
timelessness
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- creative writing
- education
- critical analysis
- cultural studies
Key Concepts
philosophy
literature
eternity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we honor eternal themes today?
- What biases affect our view of history?
A Different Perspective
Modern trends can obscure timeless truths.
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