Tragedies Quote by Oscar Wilde
““There is no error more common than that of thinking that those who are the causes or occasions of great tragedies share in the feelings suitable to the tragic mood: no error more fatal than expecting it of them. The martyr in his 'shirt of flame' may be looking on the face of God, but to him who is piling the faggots or loosening the logs for the blast the whole scene is no more than the slaying of an ox is to the butcher, or the felling of a tree to the charcoal burner in the forest, or the fall of a flower to one who is mowing down the grass with a scythe. Great passions are for the great of soul, and great events can be seen only by those who are on a level with them.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Soul of Man under Socialism, Oscar Wilde, 1891
People involved in tragedies are not emotionally aligned with the victims; they act like workers performing necessary tasks without moral sentiment.
In simple terms: Tragic actors are not necessarily sympathetic.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the difference between role and feeling.
Themes
empathy
tragedy
morality
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- war reporting
- legal judgments
- historical analysis
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Do we judge participants by their actions or presumed feelings?
- How does role separation affect justice?
A Different Perspective
Assuming emotional alignment can lead to misjudgment of responsibility.
