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About this quote

What does it mean?
A woman’s treatment depends on her appearance: love if pretty, otherwise with someone else.
In plain terms
Treat women differently based on looks—love if pretty, otherwise not.
What can you take from it?
Avoid judging people by appearance.

Where it applies

  • dating
  • social expectations

Putting it to work

  • focus on character
  • reject shallow standards

Questions to consider

  • What harms arise from valuing looks over character?
  • Can society move beyond such double standards?

Another view

The statement is a satirical exaggeration, not a serious guide.

More from Oscar Wilde

  1. Ignorance is like a delicate exotic fruit; touch it and the bloom is gone.

    Permalink to quote #146
  2. Ah! That must be Aunt Augusta. Only relatives, or creditors, ever ring in that Wagnerian manner.

    Permalink to quote #148
  3. Really, if the lower orders don't set us a good example, what on earth is the use of them?

    Permalink to quote #145

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