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About this quote

What does it mean?
Wilde suggests that biographies are often written by those close to the subject, who may betray them, like Judas.
In plain terms
Biographies are often written by betrayers.
What can you take from it?
Beware who tells your story.

Where it applies

  • writing memoirs
  • historical research
  • personal branding

Putting it to work

  • choose reliable biographers
  • cross‑check sources

Questions to consider

  • Who are you trusting to record your legacy?
  • How can bias be minimized in biographies?

Another view

Not all disciples are traitors; some can be faithful chroniclers.

More from Oscar Wilde

  1. Anybody can make history. Only a great man can write it.

    Permalink to quote #33
  2. Truth, in the matters of religion, is simply the opinion that has survived.

    Permalink to quote #35
  3. Meredith is a prose Browning, and so is Browning. He used poetry as a medium for writing in prose.

    Permalink to quote #32

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