Vyuh

Finite State Magic

The bad habit of uttering moral platitudes

Last Modified on August 16, 2021

Tags: oscar-wilde

Mr. Marion Crawford has immolated himself upon the altar of local colour. He is like the lady in the French comedy who keeps talking about le beau ciel d’Italie. Besides, he has fallen into the bad habit of uttering moral platitudes. He is always telling us that to be good is to be good, and that to be bad is to be wicked. At times he is almost edifying.

from The Decay of Lying, by Oscar Wilde.