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About this quote

What does it mean?
Wilde suggests that a man’s proper place is the home, and neglecting domestic duties makes him weak.
In plain terms
A man should focus on home duties or he becomes weak.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize domestic responsibilities.

Where it applies

  • marriage
  • family life

Putting it to work

  • share household chores
  • balance work and home

Questions to consider

  • Why is domestic work linked to masculinity?
  • Can neglecting home duties really affect character?

Another view

It reinforces traditional gender expectations.

More from Oscar Wilde

  1. I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train.

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  2. I hope you're not leading a double life, pretending to be wicked while being really good all the time. That would be hypocrisy.

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  3. When a man does exactly what a woman expects him to do she doesn't think much of him. One should always do what a woman doesn't expect, just as one should say …

    Permalink to quote #162

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