25 Timeless Oscar Wilde Quotes on Life, Love, Art & Society (With Meaning)
Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was an Irish poet, playwright, novelist and one of the sharpest wits in literary history. Famous for his aesthetic philosophy, social satire and fearless celebration of beauty and individuality, Wilde's words remain brilliantly relevant more than a century later. Below are 25 of his most iconic quotes, each with a short explanation. "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." Meaning: Authenticity is the highest form of originality. Wilde reminds us that trying to imitate others is futile — your unique self is the only thing that cannot be copied. "To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all." Meaning: Mere existence is passive. Real living requires passion, courage, curiosity and presence — qualities Wilde believed most people never fully embrace. "The ...