Context

In this 1891 essay, Oscar Wilde argues that socialism is a good thing. (Shhh… don't tell the Republican National Committee!) One of the things Wilde is most annoyed by is what he sees as the materialistic tendencies behind capitalism. People want status, so they work and buy stuff, then they want more status, so they work more and buy more stuff, and so on and so on until they're dead. Wow. When you put it like that, it sounds pretty depressing.

But Wilde says that by letting go of all that stuff, people can really live it up. Seriously, do you actually need a second iPad for when the first one is charging? So why waste all your time working and working just for material things? Why not find out who you really are? What you like? What you're good it? That's the way to really be alive.

According to Wilde, most people don't spend their lives that way. They just keep spinning around in circles until they die. Sure, they're breathing and walking around, but they don't even know who they are.

Whoa. That's heavy.

Where you've heard it

This is the perfect quote to break out when you're reflecting on the vapid materialism of the modern era. Of course, Wilde did write this over 100 years ago, so it doesn't look like much has changed since then.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Okay, you've gotta admit, this is kind of pretentious. We doubt the folks at your next party will be thrilled to look up from their smartphones and hear you railing about how no one really lives life to the fullest these days. We're just saying… know your audience.