Jan 4, 2004 | Wild and controversial Wilde

Well heres a bit from Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray that I found quite controversial (obviously Wilde didn't approve of them, but at least its good to know them)

'Never marry at all, Dorian (the protagonist). Men marry because they are tired; women because they are curious: both are disappointed.'
Chapter IV

'Women, as some witty Frenchman once put it, inspire us with the desire to do masterpieces, and always prevent us from carrying them out.'
Chapter VI

'Nowadays most people die of a sort of creeping common sense, and discover when it is too late that only the things one never regrets are one's mistakes.'
Chapter III

'Nothing can cure the soul but the senses, just as nothing can cure the senses but the soul.'
Chapter II

All these quotes come from another character by the name of Lord Henry, who, with his controversial ideas and corrupt morals influences the naive and innocent Dorian. Dorian ends up selling his soul to his portrait, so that he could remain looking young and handsome while his soul, reflected in the painting, becomes corrupt and old.

I liked the book, but i couldn't help thinking Lord Henry was devilish in the sense that he tempted (indeed he said 'The only thing I can't resist is temptation') Dorian who knew no better and immediately fell under the spell. A good read though, and recommended to those who want to relish Wilde's cunning mastery of characters.

Also written on this day..

• 2012: Help me test out Haptico!
• 2008: 2008 - The Year of Online Security?
• 2005: Turned down by Cambridge
• 2004: Predictions for the year ahead: 2004