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Enough Quote by Oscar Wilde

“When a man is old enough to do wrong he should be old enough to do right also.” quote by Oscar Wilde
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“When a man is old enough to do wrong he should be old enough to do right also.”

Oscar Wilde

About This Quote

Source Play: The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895

Moral maturity requires the capacity to both recognize wrongdoing and to act justly.

In simple terms: Being old enough to do wrong means being old enough to do right.

Key Takeaway

Hold yourself to the same age of responsibility.

Themes

ethics responsibility maturity

Mood

reflective serious

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • legal judgments
  • personal relationships
  • leadership decisions

Key Concepts

moral philosophy personal accountability

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you ensure your actions match your moral standards?
  • Can age be a reliable measure of ethical capacity?
A Different Perspective

Age alone does not guarantee wisdom; experience may not translate to moral action.

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