--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: How English you are, Basil! If one puts…" description: "\"“How English you are, Basil! If one puts forward an idea to a real Englishman,— always a rash thing to do,—he never dreams of considering whether the i..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/930/oscar-wilde-16_philosophy_how-english-you-are-basil-if-one-puts-fo_3063875.jpg" --- # How English you are, Basil! If one puts forward an idea to… ![“How English you are, Basil! If one puts forward an idea to a real Englishman,— always a rash thing to do,—he never dreams of considering whether the idea is right or wrong. The only thing he considers of any importance is whether one believes it one’s self. Now, the value of an idea has nothing…” quote by Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/930/oscar-wilde-16_philosophy_how-english-you-are-basil-if-one-puts-fo_3063875.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/930/oscar-wilde-16_philosophy_how-english-you-are-basil-if-one-puts-fo_3063875.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/930/oscar-wilde-16_philosophy_how-english-you-are-basil-if-one-puts-fo_3063875.jpg) > ““How English you are, Basil! If one puts forward an idea to a real Englishman,— always a rash thing to do,—he never dreams of considering whether the idea is right or wrong. The only thing he considers of any importance is whether one believes it one’s self. Now, the value of an idea has nothing whatsoever to do with the sincerity of the man who expresses it. Indeed, the probabilities are that the more insincere the man is, the more purely intellectual will the idea be, as in that case it will not be colored by either his wants, his desires, or his prejudices. However, I don’t propose to discuss politics, sociology, or metaphysics with you. I like persons better than principles. Tell me more about Dorian Gray. How often do you see him?”” [Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Wilde satirizes English arrogance, suggesting that confidence outweighs truth, and that insincerity can produce purer ideas untainted by personal bias. **In simple terms:** English pride values self‑belief over idea merit. Key Takeaway Question confidence, not correctness. Themes arrogance confidence skepticism truth politics Mood wry critical ironic Type satirical philosophical When to use this quote - debates - political discussions - personal interactions - literary analysis - self‑reflection Key Concepts philosophy social critique identity authenticity Questions to Reflect On - Do you value confidence over truth? - How does insincerity affect idea purity? A Different Perspective Overconfidence can blind one to genuine merit. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Dorian Gray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dorian-gray/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Right or wrong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/right-or-wrong/) [Sincerity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sincerity/) ## Related quotes > [“How English you are, Basil! That is the second time you have made that observation. 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