“The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
Oscar Wilde's quote, "The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it," suggests a provocative and somewhat counterintuitive approach to dealing with temptation. Wilde is highlighting the idea that resisting temptation may only make it stronger, while giving in to it may ultimately allow us to move past it. This quote challenges the conventional wisdom that we should always fight against temptation, instead proposing that embracing it may lead to its eventual disappearance. Ultimately, Wilde's words prompt us to reconsider our perspectives on self-control and the nature of temptation.
Modern Relevance of Oscar Wilde's Quote
In today's society filled with constant temptations, Oscar Wilde's quote, "The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it," holds true now more than ever. With the rise of technology and social media, individuals are faced with endless distractions and desires that can be difficult to resist. Wilde's words remind us that sometimes giving in to temptation can be the best way to move past it and take control of our actions.
Oscar Wilde on Temptation
One of the most famous quotes by Oscar Wilde is: “The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.” This statement highlights the idea that sometimes giving in to temptation may be the only way to overcome it.
Reflection Questions:
Reflecting on this quote by Oscar Wilde, consider the following questions:
- Do you agree with Wilde that the only way to rid oneself of temptation is by giving in to it?
- Have you ever experienced a situation where resisting temptation only made it stronger?
- How do you balance yielding to temptation with maintaining self-control and discipline in your life?
- In what ways can succumbing to temptation be a learning experience or a chance for growth?
- Are there certain temptations that you struggle with more than others? How do you handle these moments of weakness?
Similar quotes
“The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself, with desire for what its monstrous laws have made monstrous and unlawful.”
“The body sins once, and has done with its sin, for action is a mode of purification. Nothing remains then but the recollection of a pleasure, or the luxury of a regret. The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself, with desire for what its monstrous laws have made monstrous and unlawful.”
“Do you really think it is weakness that yields to temptation? I tell you that there are terrible temptations which it requires strength, strength and courage to yield to.”
“We are punished for our refusals. Every impulse that we strive to strangle broods in the mind and poisons us. The body sins once, and has done with its sin, for action is a mode of purification. Nothing remains then but the recollection of a pleasure, or the luxury of a regret. The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. Resist it, and your soul grows sick with longing for the things it has forbidden to itself, with desire for what its monstrous laws have made monstrous and unlawful. It has been said that the great events of the world take place in the brain. It is in the brain, and the brain only, that the great sins of the world take place also.”
“Do you really think ... that it is weakness that yields to temptation? I tell you that there are terrible temptations that it requires strength, strength and courage, to yield to. To stake all one's life on a single moment, to risk everything on one throw, whether the stake be power or pleasure, I care not -- there is no weakness in that.”
“But we never get back our youth… The pulse of joy that beats in us at twenty becomes sluggish. Our limbs fail, our senses rot. We degenerate into hideous puppets, haunted by the memory of the passions of which we were too much afraid, and the exquisite temptations that we had not the courage to yield to.”