Buttons Quote by Oscar Wilde
“Young people, nowadays, imagine that money is everything. Yes, murmured Lord Henry, settling his button-hole in his coat; and when they grow older they know it.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde, 1890
The quote critiques materialism, suggesting youth overvalue wealth, and this belief persists into adulthood.
In simple terms: People think money is everything, both young and old.
Key Takeaway
Recognize values beyond wealth.
Themes
materialism
generational attitudes
values
Mood
cynical
reflective
Type
literary
social commentary
When to use this quote
- career planning
- financial education
- personal development
- parenting advice
Key Concepts
consumerism
psychology of desire
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view affect personal fulfillment?
- What alternative values can replace money as a goal?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook those who find meaning through non‑material pursuits.
![“[The web] is going to end up being a tremendous advantage, providing we can work out the financial structure. I think we’ll see newspapers survive, being printed at home... Or you’ll have a local print shop, so that rather than waiting for the newspapers to arrive by truck, which is 30 percent at…” quote by Harold Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/473/harold-evans-15687_advantage_the-web-is-going-to-end-up-being-a-treme_47749.jpg)
