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Atheism Quote by Oscar Wilde

“To exercise power costs effort and demands courage. That is why so many fail to assert rights to which they are perfectly entitled - because a right is a kind of power but they are too lazy or too cowardly to exercise it. The virtues which cloak these faults are called patience and forbearance.” quote by Oscar Wilde
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“To exercise power costs effort and demands courage. That is why so many fail to assert rights to which they are perfectly entitled - because a right is a kind of power but they are too lazy or too cowardly to exercise it. The virtues which cloak these faults are called patience and forbearance.”

Oscar Wilde

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Soul of Man under Socialism, 1891

Exercising one's rights requires effort and bravery; many fail because they avoid the necessary work.

In simple terms: Rights need courage to be used.

Key Takeaway

Act on your entitlements.

Themes

courage rights effort patience forbearance

Mood

determined reflective

Type

motivational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • activism
  • legal claims
  • daily decision making
  • standing up at work

Key Concepts

political philosophy personal responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • What rights are you neglecting?
  • How can you build courage to claim them?
A Different Perspective

People may lack resources or face oppression that makes exercising rights risky.

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