"A little sincerity is a dangerous thing, and a great deal of it is absolutely fatal"
- Oscar Wilde
About this Quote
This quote by Oscar Wilde is a caution against the threats of being too sincere. He is suggesting that a percentage of genuineness can be dangerous, as it can result in individuals taking advantage of your trust and great intentions. Excessive sincerity, nevertheless, can be a lot more harmful, as it can lead to individuals benefiting from your naivety and lack of discernment. To put it simply, excessive sincerity can be fatal, as it can cause people making the most of you and manipulating you for their own gain. Wilde is cautioning us to be mindful with how much sincerity we reveal, as it can be a double-edged sword. We should be sincere, however likewise understand the prospective threats that feature it.
"To be really great in little things, to be truly noble and heroic in the insipid details of everyday life, is a virtue so rare as to be worthy of canonization"
"Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer"