Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde was the wildest writer that ever lived. There are some lines in his works that are so well expressed it’s hard to fathom how he could pull his tongue and mind to paint them on paper. A true genius articulator of human emotions, feelings, and grey perceptions. Here are some that stuck with me—

• 1) We are all in gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars

Throwing you sideways is the full-time job of life and none is left alone in the parade. Either your career kicks you out or a divorce or maybe health knocks you down. The problem varies but never the degree. A perfect Either this or that.

Some accept the fate that binds you, to use Marcus Aurelius’ lines. They sing, dance, fly in the gutter, and push the needle ahead despite the heavy storms that are across. Others simply become naggers. They keep nagging about the wild nuggets in life.

consequently, they miss all the bright stars in life. They don’t enjoy the things they already have in life—love, family, a good enough job, a friend to share whatever they want, a dog that keeps wagging its tail. Whether you become a stoic or not, at least keep this thing in mind—

“Objective judgement, now, at this very moment. Unselfish action, now, at this very moment. Willing acceptance – now, at this very moment – of all external events. That’s all you need.” —Marcus Aurelius.

Listen to the wise old king, and look at the milky stars that bring heavens to you.

• 2)To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance

We cannot love someone unless we love ourselves first. You can project only what you are on others. Your heart is the best mirror out there. A broken, hateful, insecure soul reflects only division, loathing, and venom. That’s why to start a long romance, first heal yourself. You will do great injustice to yourself and the people around you if not. Lucille Ball puts it perfectly—“ Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” Your life depends on it.

• 3)No man is rich enough to buy back his past

Whatever happened has already happened. You cannot go back and change all the things that have already happened. In fact, they happened and then you happened. If they haven’t happened then you haven’t happened. It’s as simple as that. The past completes you. Longing for a new past means you are longing for a new self which means not you. Yin has a Yang. No exceptions.

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