“Your rank and wealth, Harry; my brains, such as they are—my art, whatever it may be worth; Dorian Gray’s good looks—we shall all suffer for what the gods have given us, suffer terribly.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote from Oscar Wilde's novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray," Lord Henry reflects on the jealousies and consequences that manifest from the traits and gifts bestowed upon individuals by fate or divine intervention. This quote highlights the idea that one's privileges and talents can lead to suffering, a theme that resonates throughout the novel. Lord Henry expresses that he, Harry, and Dorian will all face consequences for their respective advantages, suggesting that no one is immune to the repercussions of their inherent qualities. This quote illustrates Wilde's exploration of the complexities of beauty, wealth, and intelligence, and the potential drawbacks that come with them.
Relevance of Oscar Wilde's Quote in Modern Society:
In Oscar Wilde's novel, "The Picture of Dorian Gray," the character Lord Henry speaks these words to highlight the concept of a Faustian bargain, where individuals pay a price for their talents, beauty, or wealth. This quote resonates in modern society as individuals often grapple with the consequences of their privileges and blessings.
In the age of social media and influencer culture, people are constantly seeking validation through their looks, wealth, or status. However, Wilde's words serve as a reminder that these gifts can also be burdens, leading to suffering and consequences. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, humility, and gratitude in the face of privilege.
Oscar Wilde on the Price of Talent
“Your rank and wealth, Harry; my brains, such as they are—my art, whatever it may be worth; Dorian Gray’s good looks—we shall all suffer for what the gods have given us, suffer terribly.” - Oscar Wilde
Reflection Questions
In this quote from Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray," the character Lord Henry reflects on the potential consequences of their respective attributes. Think about the following questions as you ponder on the themes of beauty, talent, and wealth:
- How do you think each of the characters in the quote defines their own worth and the suffering they anticipate because of it?
- Can you identify any ways in which their attributes have already caused suffering in the story?
- How does this quote reflect on society's values and expectations regarding beauty, intelligence, and wealth?
- Do you agree with Lord Henry's sentiment that their attributes will lead to suffering? Why or why not?
- How does this quote make you reflect on your own values and beliefs about success and happiness?
Similar quotes
“The ugly and stupid have the best of it in this world. They can sit at their ease and gape at the play. If they know nothing of victory, they are at least spared the knowledge of defeat. They live as we all should live-- undisturbed, indifferent, and without disquiet. They never bring ruin upon others, nor ever receive it from alien hands. Your rank and wealth, Henry; my brains, such as they are-- my art, whatever it may be worth; Dorian Gray's good looks-- we shall all suffer for what the gods have given us, suffer terribly.”
“we shall all suffer for what the gods have given us, suffer terribly.”
“The longer I live, Dorian, the more keenly I feel that whatever was good enough for our fathers is not good enough for us. In art, as in politics, les grand-pères ont toujours tort.”
“I am less to you than your ivory Hermes or your silver Faun. You will like them always. How long will you like me? Till I have my first wrinkle, I suppose. I know, now, that when one loses one's good looks, whatever they may be, one loses everything. Your picture has taught me that. Lord Henry Wotton is perfectly right. Youth is the only thing worth having. When I find that I am growing old, I shall kill myself.”
“I can sympathise with everything, except suffering", cried Lord Harry, Shrugging his shoulders. "I cannot sympathise with that. It is too ugly, too horrible, too distressing. There is something terribly morbid in the modern sympathy with pain.”
“Unconsciously he defines for me the lines of a fresh new school, a school that is to have in it all the passion of the romantic spirit, all the perfection of the spirit that is Greek. The harmony of soul and body - how much that is! We in our madness have separated the two, and have invented a realism that is vulgar, an ideality that is void. Harry! If only you knew what Dorian Gray is to me!”