Everything is dangerous, my dear fellow. If it wasn't so, life wouldn't be worth living.
Oscar WildeRead
Thirty-five is a very attractive age. London society is full of women of the very highest birth who have, of their own free choice, remained thirty-five for years.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote humorously suggests that many women choose to remain at the age of thirty-five due to societal pressures and perceptions of beauty.
Oscar Wilde's quote playfully critiques societal expectations surrounding age and beauty, particularly for women. By asserting that women of the highest birth can remain perpetually at thirty-five of their own choice, Wilde highlights the absurdity of valuing youth and the power dynamics in society that keep these ideals in place. It reflects on the pressures women face and the idea that one's worth can be tied to a specific age, all while making a witty observation about the nature of perception in London society.
Themes
AgeBeautySocietyWomenPerception
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about societal norms, one could quote Wilde to emphasize the unrealistic standards placed on women.
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A truth ceases to be true when more than one person believes in it.
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His morality is all sympathy, just what morality should be
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