The difference between literature and journalism is that journalism is unreadable and literature is not read

The difference between literature and journalism is that journalism is unreadable and literature is not read

Oscar Wilde, the renowned Irish playwright, poet, and author, was a master of wit and satire. His works often delved into the complexities of human nature and society, challenging conventional norms and beliefs. In the context of the statement "The difference between literature and journalism is that journalism is unreadable and literature is not read," Wilde's own views on the matter can shed light on the distinction between the two forms of writing.

Wilde was a firm believer in the power of literature to transcend the mundane and elevate the human experience. He saw literature as a means of exploring the depths of the human soul and expressing profound truths about life and society. In his essay "The Critic as Artist," Wilde famously argued that art should not seek to imitate reality, but rather to create a new reality that is more beautiful and meaningful than the world we inhabit. This belief is reflected in his own works, which often blend elements of fantasy, satire, and social commentary to create a unique and thought-provoking narrative.

On the other hand, Wilde was highly critical of journalism, which he saw as a shallow and sensationalistic form of writing that catered to the lowest common denominator. In his essay "The Decay of Lying," Wilde lamented the decline of true art and beauty in favor of the cheap thrills and instant gratification offered by the press. He believed that journalism, with its focus on the sensational and the ephemeral, could never hope to achieve the timeless and universal truths that literature could.

In this light, the statement that "journalism is unreadable and literature is not read" takes on a new significance. Wilde would likely argue that journalism, with its emphasis on the superficial and the immediate, fails to engage the reader on a deeper level. Literature, on the other hand, has the power to captivate and inspire, offering a window into the complexities of the human experience that journalism can never hope to match.