Oscar Wilde1854–1900The old believe everything, the middle-aged suspect everything, the young know everything.
Phrases and Philosophies for the Use of the Young (1894)Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people, by the people, for the people.
The Soul of Man Under Socialism (1891)- The Soul of Man Under Socialism (1891)
- The Critic as Artist (1891), Part II
Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go.
Ultimately the bond of all companionship, wheather in marriage or in friendship, is conversation.
- Lady Windermere’s Fan (1892), Act I
We have really everything in common with America nowadays except, of course, language.
The Canterville Ghost (1887). For history and analysis of the quote see “Common Language”, oscarwildeinamerica.org (retrieved 9 May 2026)To give and not expect return, that is what lies at the heart of love.
- The Critic as Artist Part I (1891), Wilde, Oscar, (1891 / 1905) The Critic As Artist Part II, in Intentions New York, Bretanos. Retrieved from Library of Congress Americana Archive.org 26 February 2018
