It is perfectly monstrous the way people go about nowadays saying things against one behind one's back that are absolutely and entirely true.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Wilde criticizes people who speak true, negative things about someone behind their back, calling it monstrous.
- In plain terms
- He calls it monstrous when people say true but hurtful things behind someone's back.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid speaking truth that only harms when done secretly.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is it justified to speak harsh truth privately?
- How can we balance honesty and kindness?
Another view
Sometimes private criticism can be necessary to protect others.
More from Oscar Wilde
A man can be happy with any woman, as long as he does not love her.
Permalink to quote #97 Each time that one loves is the only time one has ever loved.
Permalink to quote #99 Women love us for our defects. If we have enough of them, they will forgive us everything, even our intellects.
Permalink to quote #96
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