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Art Quote by Oscar Wilde

“The longer I live, Dorian, the more keenly I feel that whatever was good enough for our fathers is not good enough for us. In art, as in politics, les grand-pères ont toujours tort.” quote by Oscar Wilde
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“The longer I live, Dorian, the more keenly I feel that whatever was good enough for our fathers is not good enough for us. In art, as in politics, les grand-pères ont toujours tort.”

Oscar Wilde

About This Quote

Source Play: The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde, 1890

He observes that standards of excellence evolve; what satisfied previous generations no longer suffices for the present.

In simple terms: Old standards become outdated.

Key Takeaway

Embrace new standards.

Themes

progress generational change art politics

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical observational

When to use this quote

  • creative work
  • political decision making
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

cultural evolution expectation shift

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you update your criteria for quality?
  • What old standards still serve you?
A Different Perspective

New standards may be harder to define.

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