Author: Oscar Wilde

One should always play fairly when one has the winning cards.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a lack of imagination.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

She wore far too much rouge last night, and not quite enough clothes; that is always a sign of despair in a woman.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

When I was young I used to think that money was the most important thing in life; now that I am old, I know it is.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

The young are always ready to give to those who are older than themselves the full benefits of their inexperience.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

The critic has to educate the public; the artist has to educate the critic.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

I always like to know everything about my new friends, and nothing about my old ones.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

Rugby is a good occasion for keeping thirty bullies far from the center of the city.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

It is better to have a permanent income than to be fascinating.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

To be natural is such a very difficult pose to keep up.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

The worst vice of the fanatic is his sincerity.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

Long engagements give people the opportunity of finding out each other's character before marriage, which is never advisable.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

He [Bernard Shaw] hasn’t an enemy in the world, and none of his friends like him.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

The only charm of marriage is that it makes a life of deception necessary for both parties.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

I like persons better than principles, and I like persons with no principles better than anything else in the world.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

Ambition is the last refuge of the failure.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

The problem with the common person is that he is so unbearably common!

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

The basis of optimism is sheer terror.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

There can be nothing more frequent than an occasional drink.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet

I can resist everything except temptation.

(1854 – 1900) Irish dramatist, novelist & poet