Oscar Wilde In America

Oscar Wilde Quotations

—ABOUT OR MADE IN AMERICa—

Oscar Wilde is not only one of the most quotable of authors, he is one of the most quoted people of all time. In books of quotations Wilde entries are usually exceeded only by those of Shakespeare and the Bible—a phenomenon being continued on web sites and social media.

Unfortunately, all too often Oscar Wilde's quotations are given without a source, and many are erroneous. So in keeping with this web site's reference standards, all quotations on are based on primary sources, and are provided with supporting data and reference notes.

The quotations are a selection of remarks that Oscar Wilde made about, or while in, America.

If it took Labouchère three columns to prove that I was forgotten, then there is no difference between fame and obscurity.

She behaves as if she was [sic] beautiful. Most American women do. It is the secret of their charm.

The two most remarkable bits of scenery in the States are undoubtedly Delmonico's and the Yosemite Valley.

America never has been discovered...I myself would say that it had merely been detected.

We have really everything in common with America nowadays, except, of course, language.

In America the President reigns for four years, and Journalism governs for ever and ever.

A fashion is merely a form of ugliness so absolutely unbearable that we have to alter it every six months!

Whatever is false will vanish; whatever is permanent will remain. I am patient, and I can wait.