Adopted Quote by Oscar Wilde
“The crude commercialism of America, its materialising spirit, its indifference to the poetical side of things, and its lack of imagination and of high unattainable ideals, are entirely due to that country having adopted for its national hero a man who, according to his own confession, was incapable of telling a lie, and it is not too much to say that the story of George Washington and the cherry-tree has done more harm, and in a shorter space of time, than any other moral tale in the whole of literature.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Soul of Man under Socialism, Oscar Wilde, 1891
America’s materialism and lack of imagination stem from glorifying a mythic hero who could not lie, stifling higher ideals.
In simple terms: Mythic hero worship limits imagination.
Key Takeaway
Question national narratives that suppress imagination.
Themes
materialism
myth
national identity
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
cultural
philosophical
When to use this quote
- education reform
- media analysis
- public discourse
- artistic expression
Key Concepts
cultural critique
idealism
historical myth
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternative narratives could inspire higher ideals?
- How can societies balance myth with critical thinking?
A Different Perspective
Not all national myths are harmful; some inspire unity.
