A Tanzanian reader, Jane Shussa, has shared her thoughts on Oscar Wilde's book, 'Only Dull People Are Brilliant at Breakfast'. The book is a collection of aphorisms and epigrams that offer commentary on society, its principles, pressures, and expectations. Shussa, a digital communication specialist, says the book has made her reflect on her life and the world around her. She believes that life is meant to be lived, and her blog, Maisha Kuishi, is a reflection of that.
Shussa was particularly struck by Wilde's observation that "to regret one's own experiences is to arrest one's own development." She says she continues to think about this quote even after finishing the 52-page book. Wilde's words have made her realize the importance of living in the present and learning from her experiences. Shussa's blog, Maisha Kuishi, is a platform where she shares her thoughts and experiences, and she believes that Wilde's words resonate with her philosophy.
Wilde's commentary on education also resonated with Shussa. He observes that the education system teaches people to remember rather than to grow, and that it crams the same things that have been taught for years, without much relevance to the current world. Shussa believes that this is a problem in Tanzania, where the education system often prioritizes rote memorization over critical thinking and creativity.
Shussa was also struck by Wilde's observation on poverty, which he says gives people no alternative life other than the one they have, unless their circumstances change. Wilde writes that "to recommend thrift to the poor is both grotesque and insulting," and Shussa believes that this is a reality that many young people in Tanzania face. She argues that the systems in place often do not provide opportunities for young people to improve their lives.
Wilde's commentary on morality also made Shussa think about the social class dynamics in Tanzania. He writes that moral people are often "simple beasts" who are heartless, cruel, and vindictive. Shussa believes that this is a reflection of the way that morality is often used to judge people, particularly those who are poor or marginalized.
Shussa's perspective on marriage has also evolved after reading Wilde's book. She used to believe that marriage was a noble institution, but now she thinks that it has become a life of deception for many people. Wilde writes that "the one charm of marriage is that it makes a life of deception absolutely necessary for both parties." Shussa believes that this is a reflection of the reality of many marriages, where people may not be honest with each other or with themselves.
Overall, Shussa believes that Wilde's book is a thought-provoking collection of aphorisms and epigrams that offer insights into the human condition. She argues that his words are relevant to Tanzanians, who face many of the same challenges and contradictions that Wilde wrote about.
Key points
- The book 'Only Dull People Are Brilliant at Breakfast' offers commentary on society, education, poverty, and morality.
