In this quote by Oscar Wilde, he highlights the difference between being "well bred" and being truly wise. The idea is that those who are well bred may simply contradict others to assert their superiority or social standing, while the truly wise are able to see past their own beliefs and opinions and may contradict themselves as they continue to learn and grow. Wilde's insight challenges us to reflect on what it means to be truly wise and open-minded in our interactions with others.
In today's society, it is common for people to outwardly contradict others in order to assert their own beliefs or opinions. However, Oscar Wilde's quote reminds us that true wisdom comes from challenging and questioning our own thoughts and beliefs, rather than simply contradicting others. This idea remains relevant today as it emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and critical thinking in order to truly grow and develop as individuals.
"The well bred contradict other people, the wise contradict themselves." - Oscar Wilde
This quote reflects Wilde's belief in the importance of self-awareness and integrity in one's thoughts and actions.
When you think about times you have disagreed with others, do you find that it was out of a desire to show your superiority or knowledge, or was it out of a genuine belief that your point of view was more accurate or valid?
In what ways have you found yourself contradicting your own beliefs or actions? How did you handle this contradiction, and what did you learn from it?
Do you believe there is wisdom in being able to see the complexities and nuances in different perspectives, even if it means contradicting yourself at times? How do you strive to balance asserting your own views with being open to changing them when necessary?
“I like talking to a brick wall- it's the only thing in the world that never contradicts me!”
“It is a curious fact that people are never so trivial as when they take themselves seriously”
“People who count their chickens before they are hatched act very wisely because chickens run about so absurdly that it's impossible to count them accurately.”
“If you cannot write well, you cannot think well; if you cannot think well, others will do your thinking for you.”
“Lots of people act well, but very few people talk well, which shows that talking ismuch the more difficult thing of the two, and much the finer thing also.”
“All authority is quite degrading. It degrades those who exercise it, and degrades those over whom it is exercised. When it is violently, grossly, and cruelly used, it produces a good effect by creating, or at any rate bringing out, the spirit of revolt and individualism that is to kill it. When it is used with a certain amount of kindness, and accompanied by prizes and rewards, it is dreadfully demoralising. People, in that case, are less conscious of the horrible pressure that is being put on them, and so go through their lives in a sort of coarse comfort, like petted animals, without ever realising that they are probably thinking other people's thoughts, living by other people's standards, wearing practically what one may call other people's second-hand clothes, and never being themselves for a single moment.”