An Ideal Husband

by Oscar Wilde

Oh, I love London Society! I think it has immensely improved. It is entirely composed now of beautiful idiots and brilliant lunatics. Just what Society should be.

An acquaintance that begins with a compliment is sure to develop into a real friendship. It starts in the right manner. And I find that I know Lady Chiltern already.

Oh, I’m neither. Optimism begins in a broad grin, and Pessimism ends with blue spectacles. Besides, they are both of them merely poses.

Ah! the strength of women comes from the fact that psychology cannot explain us. Men can be analysed, women . . . merely adored. sir robert chiltern.

problem of women? mrs. cheveley. Science can never grapple with the irrational. That is why it has no future before it, in this world.

And philanthropy seems to me to have become simply the refuge of people who wish to annoy their fellow-creatures. I prefer politics. I think they are more . . . becoming!

hope it is not a little thing, Mrs. Cheveley. I find that little things are so very difficult to do.