I have invented an invaluable permanent invalid called Bunbury, in order that I may be able to go down into the country whenever I choose.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- I invented a permanent invalid, Bunbury, so I can escape to the country whenever I wish.
- In plain terms
- I created a fake excuse, Bunbury, to leave whenever I want.
- What can you take from it?
- Use plausible excuses to gain freedom, but beware of deception.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is it acceptable to invent an excuse?
- What are the costs of habitual deception?
Another view
Relying on lies can damage trust.
More from Oscar Wilde
The truth is rarely pure and never simple. Modern life would be very tedious if it were either, and modern literature a complete impossibility!
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