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'Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative' - Oscar Wilde

Emily Rodriguez Emily Rodriguez Apr 02, 2021 · 3 mins read
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The quote “Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative” is a saying attributed to the renowned Irish playwright, novelist, and poet Oscar Wilde. This quote captures Wilde’s disdain for the idea of steadfastly adhering to a set of beliefs or ideas without considering their validity or in light of new information. Wilde’s statement implies that consistency is a poor substitute for creativity, and it suggests that it is a barrier to intellectual growth and exploration.

Wilde’s quote suggests that people who rely on consistency as their guiding principle are unimaginative because they cannot think beyond what they know. They are unable to imagine new possibilities because they are so attached to what they already know. Wilde implies that to be truly imaginative, we must be willing to challenge long-held beliefs and explore new ideas, even if it means abandoning consistency.

Wilde’s statement is a warning against becoming too attached to our ideas, as it can lead us to become rigid in our thinking and unable to see new possibilities. Consistency can become a crutch, a way to avoid the weighty responsibility of thinking for ourselves and making difficult decisions. If we become too attached to consistency, we may become intellectually bankrupt, unable to adapt to new situations, and unable to see new possibilities.

Consistency can become so entrenched that it can blind us to the reality of the world around us. It can lead us to see only the things that conform to our preconceived notions or beliefs, and it blinds us to opposing viewpoints or new ideas. Consistency can become a trap, limiting our imagination and hindering our ability to think critically.

In conclusion, Oscar Wilde’s statement “Consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative” is a warning against becoming too attached to our ideas and ways of thinking. It suggests that relying on consistency can lead to intellectual stagnation and can prevent us from exploring new ideas and possibilities. To be truly imaginative, we must be willing to challenge ourselves, to question our assumptions, and to explore new ideas, even if it means abandoning consistency.

Who is “Oscar Wilde”?

Oscar Wilde was an Irish playwright, novelist, essayist, and poet who lived in the late 19th century. He is well known for his wit, flamboyant personality, and contributions to literature, including works such as “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Wilde was also famously imprisoned for homosexuality, which was then considered a crime in England.

Are there any books about “Oscar Wilde”?

Yes, there are numerous books written about Oscar Wilde. Some popular ones are:

  1. “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde
  2. “Oscar Wilde: A Life” by Neil McKenna
  3. “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde
  4. “Oscar Wilde: The Unrepentant Years” by Nicholas Frankel
  5. “De Profundis” by Oscar Wilde
  6. “Wilde’s Women: How Oscar Wilde Was Shaped by the Women He Knew” by Eleanor Fitzsimons
  7. “The Ballad of Reading Gaol” by Oscar Wilde
  8. “The Happy Prince and Other Tales” by Oscar Wilde
  9. “The Real Trial of Oscar Wilde: The First Uncensored Transcript of The Trial of Oscar Wilde vs. John Douglas (Marquess of Queensberry), 1895” by Merlin Holland
  10. “The Complete Works of Oscar Wilde” (collection of his plays, stories, essays, and poems)

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Emily Rodriguez
Written by Emily Rodriguez
Making waves wherever I go