As long as a woman can look ten years younger than her own daughter, she is perfectly satisfied.
This quote offers a witty commentary on societal perceptions of beauty and age. It suggests that women find contentment when they meet certain youthfulness standards relative to their daughters. The humor unfolds in the irony that satisfaction is tied to maintaining an appearance that is notably younger than the next generation. It invites reflection on how beauty standards are often predefined and possibly superficial, emphasizing the social pressures women face to preserve youthfulness. Ultimately, Wilde's sharp wit critiques how aging is viewed through a lens of envy and superficial values rather than acceptance.
