I never go without my dinner. No one ever does, except vegetarians and people like that

I never go without my dinner. No one ever does, except vegetarians and people like that

Oscar Wilde, the renowned Irish playwright and author, was known for his wit, humor, and sharp observations on society. One of his most famous quotes, "I never go without my dinner. No one ever does, except vegetarians and people like that," perfectly encapsulates his satirical take on the social norms and expectations of his time.

In the late 19th century, when Wilde was at the height of his fame, dining was a significant social event. It was a time for people to gather, socialize, and indulge in lavish meals. For Wilde, who was known for his extravagant lifestyle and love of fine dining, skipping dinner was simply unthinkable. To him, it was a fundamental part of the social fabric, a ritual that brought people together and allowed them to enjoy the pleasures of good food and company.

However, Wilde's quip about vegetarians and "people like that" reveals his disdain for those who chose to abstain from meat. In Victorian society, vegetarianism was often seen as a radical and unconventional choice, one that went against the traditional values of meat-eating and indulgence. Wilde, with his love of decadence and excess, could not fathom why anyone would willingly forgo the pleasures of a sumptuous dinner in favor of a more ascetic diet.

But beyond the surface level humor of Wilde's quote lies a deeper commentary on societal norms and expectations. Wilde was a master at using satire to critique the hypocrisies and absurdities of his time, and his remark about dinner highlights the arbitrary nature of social conventions. By poking fun at the idea that dinner is an essential part of life, Wilde challenges his audience to question the values and traditions that they take for granted.