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Abuse Quote by Oscar Wilde

“Man is complete in himself. When they go into the world, the world will disagree with them. That is inevitable. The world hates Individualism. But that is not to trouble them. They are to be calm and self-centred. If a man takes their cloak, they are to give him their coat, just to show that…” quote by Oscar Wilde
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““Man is complete in himself. When they go into the world, the world will disagree with them. That is inevitable. The world hates Individualism. But that is not to trouble them. They are to be calm and self-centred. If a man takes their cloak, they are to give him their coat, just to show that material things are of no importance. If people abuse them, they are not to answer back. What does it signify? The things people say of a man do not alter a man. He is what he is. Public opinion is of no value whatsoever. Even if people employ actual violence, they are not to be violent in turn. That would be to fall to the same low level. After all, even in prison, a man can be quite free. His soul can be free. His personality can be untroubled. He can be at peace. And, above all things, they are not to interfere with other people or judge them in any way. Personality is a very mysterious thing. A man cannot always be estimated by what he does. He may keep the law, and yet be worthless. He may break the law, and yet be fine. He may be bad, without ever doing anything bad. He may commit a sin against society, and yet realise through that sin his true perfection.””

Oscar Wilde

About This Quote

Source Essay: "The Soul of the Individual", 1890

True freedom lies in inner calm, non‑reaction, and self‑reliance despite external judgment.

In simple terms: Inner peace beats external opinion.

Key Takeaway

Maintain inner calm regardless of others.

Themes

individualism inner freedom non‑violence

Mood

thoughtful stoic

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • career choices
  • social activism
  • conflict resolution
  • creative pursuits

Key Concepts

self‑reliance ethical conduct personal integrity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you stay calm under criticism?
  • When is it appropriate to respond to injustice?
A Different Perspective

Non‑reaction can be misinterpreted as indifference.

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