Prison Quote by Oscar Wilde
““This too I know - and wise it were If each could know the same - That every prison that men build Is built with bricks of shame, And bound with bars lest Christ should see How men their brothers maim.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “The Prisoner” (attributed), 1890
Society’s judgments imprison people, built on shame and fear of exposing wrongdoing, urging empathy over condemnation.
In simple terms: Shame builds social prisons.
Key Takeaway
Avoid judging others harshly.
Themes
judgment
shame
social prison
empathy
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Legal system
- family conflict
- public criticism
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
social critique
human dignity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does shame shape our judgments?
- Can empathy dismantle social prisons?
A Different Perspective
Changing hearts is hard.
![“Inside its crumbling walls the house is riddled with bullet holes, and in its garden only the crimson dahlias still hold their heads high. Jing is lying on a chaise longue [sic] playing with his bird. 'I thought you were in prison.' He looks up, his eyes filled with hate and desire. 'You are my…” quote by Shan Sa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/042/shan-sa-13713_prison_inside-its-crumbling-walls-the-house-is_13990.jpg)