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About this quote

What does it mean?
Only shallow people ignore appearances; the visible world holds the true mystery, not the unseen.
In plain terms
The visible world is more mysterious than the invisible.
What can you take from it?
Pay attention to what you can see; it can be the key to understanding.

Where it applies

  • art critique
  • scientific observation
  • social judgment

Putting it to work

  • use empirical evidence
  • avoid over‑reliance on intuition

Questions to consider

  • Do we overvalue what we see?
  • When is it useful to look beyond appearances?

Another view

Invisible forces often shape visible outcomes.

More from Oscar Wilde

  1. The only difference between a caprice and a lifelong passion is that the caprice lasts a little longer.

    Permalink to quote #69
  2. Beauty is a form of genius - is higher, indeed, than genius, as it needs no explanation.

    Permalink to quote #71
  3. He knew the precise psychological moment when to say nothing.

    Permalink to quote #68

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