“ Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation. ”
Oscar Wilde, A Woman of No Importance (1893). copy citation
| Author | Oscar Wilde |
|---|---|
| Source | A Woman of No Importance |
| Topic | progress discontent |
| Date | 1893 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | https://www.gutenberg.org/files/854/854-h/854-h.htm |
Context
“If you imagine he is quite happy in such a position, you are mistaken. He is thoroughly discontented.
Mrs. Arbuthnot. He was not discontented till he met you. You have made him so.
Lord Illingworth. Of course, I made him so. Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation. But I did not leave him with a mere longing for things he could not get. No, I made him a charming offer. He jumped at it, I need hardly say. Any young man would. And now, simply because it turns out that I am the boy's own father and he my own son, you propose practically to ruin his career.” source
Mrs. Arbuthnot. He was not discontented till he met you. You have made him so.
Lord Illingworth. Of course, I made him so. Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation. But I did not leave him with a mere longing for things he could not get. No, I made him a charming offer. He jumped at it, I need hardly say. Any young man would. And now, simply because it turns out that I am the boy's own father and he my own son, you propose practically to ruin his career.” source
Meaning and analysis
