What Oscar Wilde taught Stephen Fry
Oscar Wilde: 16 October 1854 - 30 November 1900
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"..But there were also compensations for the era in which I grew up - the fellowship of Literature." - Stephen Fry on discovering the power of language
"...and what I think Wilde understood; that there's a sort of furious anger in a certain class of journalist, that they're not being heard - even though they have access to everyone one of their readers - the fact that someone isn't listening or paying attention, drives them slightly potty and they want to bellow their malice into the ear of the person to whom it's directed. And if they felt that person wasn't getting it, it would annoy them, because they want to hurt. They actually want to hurt people... and so all the British journalists are vicious, and they're good at it, but..."
- Stephen Fry on why he doesn't read British Newspapers anymore.
It also leads Fry to drawing a parallel between them, and the vile sensibility to be found in the comments section at the bottom of most web pages.
Anyhoo, that's what stuck with me, while listening to Stephen Fry. His palpable love of great literature and the power of language and how much happier he is now that contents himself to cherry pick the best online and avoid the worst.
And I agree with him; a consequence no doubt of having standards. :)
It is ironic then you made a comment in the comment section of this blog?