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About this quote

What does it mean?
Society can only exist as an extension of the individual self.
In plain terms
Society is just a reflection of each person.
What can you take from it?
Focus on personal responsibility.

Where it applies

  • political theory
  • personal development

Putting it to work

  • self‑assessment
  • community building

Questions to consider

  • What does it mean to be a member of society?
  • Can a society truly be only oneself?

Another view

It overlooks the need for cooperation.

More from Oscar Wilde

  1. Fashion is what one wears oneself. What is unfashionable is what other people wear.

    Permalink to quote #183
  2. However, it is always nice to be expected, and not to arrive.

    Permalink to quote #185
  3. All sins, except a sin against itself, Love should forgive. All lives, save loveless lives, true Love should pardon.

    Permalink to quote #182

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