One should never make one's debut with a scandal. One should reserve that to give an interest to one's old age

One should never make one's debut with a scandal. One should reserve that to give an interest to one's old age

Oscar Wilde, the renowned Irish playwright, poet, and author, was known for his wit, charm, and scandalous behavior. He was a master of the epigram, and one of his most famous quotes is, “One should never make one's debut with a scandal. One should reserve that to give an interest to one's old age.” This quote perfectly encapsulates Wilde’s philosophy on life and the art of living.

Wilde believed in the power of scandal to create intrigue and fascination. He understood that a scandal could add a layer of complexity and depth to a person’s character, making them more interesting and enigmatic. However, Wilde also recognized the importance of timing and discretion when it came to scandal. He believed that one should not seek out scandal for the sake of attention or notoriety, but rather let it come naturally as a result of one’s actions and choices.

In Wilde’s own life, scandal played a significant role. His affair with Lord Alfred Douglas, which ultimately led to his downfall and imprisonment, was one of the most notorious scandals of the Victorian era. Wilde’s trial and subsequent imprisonment for “gross indecency” shocked and scandalized society, but it also cemented his place in history as a martyr for the cause of individual freedom and self-expression.

Despite the scandal that surrounded him, Wilde never lost his sense of humor or his ability to charm and captivate audiences. He understood that scandal could be a double-edged sword, capable of both destroying and enhancing one’s reputation. Wilde’s own scandalous debut only served to make him more intriguing and enigmatic in the eyes of the public, ensuring that he would be remembered long after his death.