It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it

It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it

Oscar Wilde, the renowned Irish playwright, poet, and author, was a firm believer in the power of literature to shape one's character and destiny. His famous quote, "It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it," encapsulates his belief that the books we choose to read in our leisure time have a profound impact on our thoughts, beliefs, and ultimately, our actions.

Wilde understood that reading is not just a passive activity, but a transformative experience that can influence our worldview and shape our identity. He believed that the books we choose to immerse ourselves in when we have the freedom to read anything we want reveal our true interests, values, and aspirations. These books become a part of us, influencing our thoughts and shaping our character in ways we may not even be aware of.

Wilde's own literary tastes were eclectic and wide-ranging, reflecting his insatiable curiosity and love of beauty and art. He was a voracious reader of poetry, philosophy, and fiction, drawing inspiration from a diverse array of writers and thinkers. His own works, such as "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and "The Importance of Being Earnest," are filled with references to the books and authors that influenced him, showcasing his deep appreciation for the power of literature to provoke thought and inspire creativity.

For Wilde, reading was not just a pastime, but a way of life. He believed that the books we choose to read when we are free to explore our own interests and passions reveal our true selves and shape our destiny. By immersing ourselves in the works of great writers and thinkers, we can expand our minds, deepen our understanding of the world, and ultimately, become the best versions of ourselves. In the end, it is what we read when we don't have to that determines who we will become when we can't help it.