Transcribed from the 1920 Methuen edition of Art andDecoration , email ccx074@pglaf.lorg
OSCAR WILDE—SHORTER PROSE PIECES
CONTENTS
| PAGE |
Phrases and Philosophies for the useof the Young | |
Mrs. Langtry as HesterGrazebrook | |
Slaves of Fashion | |
Woman’s Dress | |
More Radical Ideas upon DressReform | |
Costume | |
The American Invasion | |
Sermons in Stones atBloomsbury | |
L’Envoi |
p. 1PHRASESAND PHILOSOPHIES FOR
THE USE OF THE YOUNG
(December 1894)
The first duty in life is to be asartificial as possible. What the second duty is no one hasas yet discovered.
Wickedness is a myth invented by good people to account forthe curious attractiveness of others.
If the poor only had profiles there would be no difficulty insolving the problem of poverty.
Those who see any difference between soul and body haveneither.
A really well-made buttonhole is the only link between Art andNature.
Religions die when they are proved to be true. Scienceis the record of dead religions.
The well-bred contradict other people. The wisecontradict themselves.
Nothing that actually occurs is of the smallestimportance.
Dulness is the coming of age of seriousness.
In all unimportant matters, style, not sincerity, is theessential. In all important matters, style, not sincerity,is the essential.
If one tells the truth one is sure, sooner or later, to befound out.
Pleasure is the only thing one should live for. Nothingages like happiness.
It is only by not paying one’s bills that one can hopeto live in the memory of the commercial classes.
No crime is vulgar, but all vulgarity is crim