Oh, I can't explain. When I like people immensely I never tell their names to anyone. It is like surrendering a part of them. I have grown to love secrecy. It seems to be the one thing that can make modern life mysterious or marvellous to us. The commonest thing is delightful if one only hides it. When I leave town now I never tell my people where I am going. If I did, I would lose all my pleasure. It is a silly habit, I daresay, but somehow it seems to bring a great deal of romance into one's life.

Oh, I can't explain. When I like people immensely I never tell their names to anyone. It is like surrendering a part of them. I have grown to love secrecy. It seems to be the one thing that can make modern life mysterious or marvellous to us. The commonest thing is delightful if one only hides it. When I leave town now I never tell my people where I am going. If I did, I would lose all my pleasure. It is a silly habit, I daresay, but somehow it seems to bring a great deal of romance into one's life.

πŸ“– Oscar Wilde

🌍 Irish  |  πŸ‘¨β€πŸ’Ό Poet

πŸŽ‚ October 16, 1854  β€“  ⚰️ November 30, 1900
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This quote encapsulates the human fascination with privacy and secrecy as sources of allure and enchantment. It suggests that sharing everything can diminish the magic that makes moments special and relationships vibrant. By choosing to withhold certain details, a person preserves a sense of mystery and personal intrigue, which can transform mundane experiences into something more enchanting. The act of keeping secrets or hiding elements of one's life is portrayed not as mere concealment, but as an art form that enhances the richness and depth of one's existence. In modern society, where transparency and information are often enforced and valued, the idea of deliberately maintaining concealment resonates as a form of rebellion or an appreciation for the unknown. The writer reflects on the paradox that revealing less can actually lead to a greater sense of pleasure and romance, emphasizing that this choice is a personal, almost poetic act. Such an attitude encourages embracing the subtlety and nuance in life, finding beauty not solely in openness but also in the art of discretion. Ultimately, this perspective champions the idea that how we manage our personal boundaries and secrets can add layers of intrigue and meaning, enriching our experiences and relationships beyond what is immediately visible or known.

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August 01, 2025

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