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About this quote

What does it mean?
Wilde laments that journalism is hard to read while literature is ignored, highlighting a paradox in public consumption.
In plain terms
Journalism is unreadable, literature is ignored.
What can you take from it?
Recognize the mismatch between media form and audience interest.

Where it applies

  • media studies
  • publishing industry
  • education

Putting it to work

  • simplify news language
  • promote literary reading

Questions to consider

  • Why do people avoid journalism?
  • How can literature become more accessible?

Another view

Some journalism is clear and some literature is widely read.

More from Oscar Wilde

  1. Truth, in the matters of religion, is simply the opinion that has survived.

    Permalink to quote #35
  2. I am but too conscious of the fact that we are born in an age when only the dull are treated seriously, and I live in terror of not being misunderstood.

    Permalink to quote #37
  3. Every great man nowadays has his disciples, and it is always Judas who writes his biography.

    Permalink to quote #34

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