Life Quote by Oscar Wilde
““You shut out from your society the gentle and the good. You laugh at the simple and the pure. Living, as you all do, on others and by them, you sneer at self-sacrifice, and if you throw bread to the poor, it is merely to keep them quiet for a season.””
About This Quote
Source Play: The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895
Society often dismisses kindness and humility, valuing self‑interest and superficiality over genuine compassion.
In simple terms: People ignore goodness, preferring selfishness.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and value true kindness.
Themes
society
morality
compassion
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
ethical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- charitable acts
- community building
- personal reflection
- social activism
Key Concepts
human nature
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you practice self‑sacrifice without seeking praise?
- What social pressures discourage genuine compassion?
A Different Perspective
Kindness can be co‑opted for ulterior motives.
