“Yet each man kills the thing he lovesBy each let this be heardSome do it with a bitter lookSome with a flattering wordThe coward does it with a kissThe brave man with a sword”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Oscar Wilde from his poem "The Ballad of Reading Gaol," he reflects on the complex nature of love and how it can ultimately lead to destruction. Wilde suggests that individuals have the tendency to harm the things or people they love, whether it be in direct or indirect ways. Some individuals may destroy their loved ones with harsh words or deceitful actions, while others may choose to end relationships with physical violence. Wilde highlights the paradoxical nature of love, where intense emotions can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes. Ultimately, this quote serves as a reminder that love can be a powerful force that has the potential to both uplift and destroy.
Modern Relevance:
Oscar Wilde's poignant words from "The Ballad of Reading Gaol" continue to hold relevance in today's society. The idea that individuals have the capacity to destroy what they love resonates with the complexities of human relationships and emotions. Whether through deception, manipulation, or even violence, people can often find themselves causing harm to those they care about most. This exploration of the dichotomy between love and destruction remains a timeless theme that continues to be reflected in the modern world.
Oscar Wilde on Love and Betrayal
"“Yet each man kills the thing he loves
By each let this be heard
Some do it with a bitter look
Some with a flattering word
The coward does it with a kiss
The brave man with a sword” - Oscar Wilde"
Reflection Questions:
Reflecting on this quote by Oscar Wilde, consider the following questions:
- How do you interpret the meaning behind Wilde's words?
- Do you agree that people often hurt or destroy the things they love?
- In what ways have you seen this concept play out in your own life or in the lives of others?
- Is there a connection between love and destruction, as suggested in the quote?
- How can one navigate the fine line between loving someone or something deeply and potentially causing harm to it?
Similar quotes
“And all men kill the thing they love, By all let this be heard,Some do it with a bitter look, Some with a flattering word,The coward does it with a kiss, The brave man with a sword!”Ballad of Reading Gaol, 1898”
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“The things people say of a man do not alter a man. He is what he is. Public opinion is of no value whatsoever. Even if people employ actual violence, they are not to be violent in turn. That would be to fall to the same low level. After all, even in prison, a man can be quite free. His soul can be free. His personality can be untroubled. He can be at peace. And, above all things, they are not to interfere with other people or judge them in any way. Personality is a very mysterious thing. A man cannot always be estimated by what he does. He may keep the law, and yet be worthless. He may break the law, and yet be fine. He may be bad, without ever doing anything bad. He may commit a sin against society, and yet realize through that sin his true perfection.”
“Man is complete in himself. When they go into the world, the world will disagree with them. That is inevitable. The world hates Individualism. But that is not to trouble them. They are to be calm and self-centred. If a man takes their cloak, they are to give him their coat, just to show that material things are of no importance. If people abuse them, they are not to answer back. What does it signify? The things people say of a man do not alter a man. He is what he is. Public opinion is of no value whatsoever. Even if people employ actual violence, they are not to be violent in turn. That would be to fall to the same low level. After all, even in prison, a man can be quite free. His soul can be free. His personality can be untroubled. He can be at peace. And, above all things, they are not to interfere with other people or judge them in any way. Personality is a very mysterious thing. A man cannot always be estimated by what he does. He may keep the law, and yet be worthless. He may break the law, and yet be fine. He may be bad, without ever doing anything bad. He may commit a sin against society, and yet realise through that sin his true perfection.”
“Nobody is worthy to be loved. The fact that God loves man shows us that in the divine order of ideal things it is written that eternal love is to be given to what is eternally unworthy. Or if that phrase seems to be a bitter one to bear, let us say that everybody is worthy of love, except him who thinks he is.”