The statement suggests that humans can easily embrace ideas or concepts that seem outlandish or beyond reality, yet struggle with accepting those that are more plausible but still unproven. This implies a human tendency to gravitate towards fantastical or extreme notions while finding it difficult to accept scenarios that lie somewhere in between certainty and impossibility.
On a deeper level, this quote reveals insights about the nature of belief and perception. It highlights how people might reject ideas that challenge their current understanding but are not entirely out of reach, whereas they could easily embrace concepts that are far-fetched or outright impossible due to a lack of cognitive framework to understand them better. This tendency can often be observed in various fields like science, politics, and culture, where individuals may find it easier to accept radical theories without evidence rather than acknowledging less dramatic but equally complex and nuanced realities.
The quote is attributed to Oscar Wilde, an Irish poet and playwright renowned for his wit and sharp social commentary. Born in 1854, Wilde was celebrated during the Victorian era for his plays such as "The Importance of Being Earnest" and essays like "De Profundis," which continue to be read today for their enduring insights into human nature and society.
