In fact, as far as I can make out, the poachers are the only people who make anything out of it. I have a country house with some land, of course, attached to it, about fifteen hundred acres, I believe but I don’t depend on that for my real income. It gives one position, and prevents one from keeping it up. What between the duties expected of one during one’s lifetime, and the duties exacted from one after one’s death, land has ceased to be either a profit or a pleasure. If it did, it would prove a serious danger to the upper classes, and probably lead to acts of violence in Grosvenor Square. Fortunately in England, at any rate, education produces no effect whatsoever. The whole theory of modern education is radically unsound. Ignorance is like a delicate exotic fruit touch it and the bloom is gone. I do not approve of anything that tampers with natural ignorance. I have always been of opinion that a man who desires to get married should know either everything or nothing.

There are far too many idle men in London as it is. A man should always have an occupation of some kind. However, I am quite ready to enter your name, should your answers be what a really affectionate mother requires. I feel bound to tell you that you are not down on my list of eligible young men, although I have the same list as the dear Duchess of Bolton has. Thank you, Lady Bracknell, I prefer standing. Élodie Gaden (août 2007) Oscar Wilde, The Importance of being earnest

The importance of being earnest