"La seule chose pire que d'être critiqué est de ne pas être critiqué."

When someone says that it's worse not to be talked about at all than to be talked about, they're hitting on a strange but true aspect of human nature and society. We all want to be noticed, to matter in some way. Being completely ignored or forgotten can feel like the worst thing in the world. It's like we don't even exist.

This idea has been around for a long time. Oscar Wilde, the sharp-tongued playwright and poet, is famous for coming up with this saying. He had a knack for turning conventional wisdom on its head. Wilde lived in the late 19th century, a time when reputation and public image were everything. Imagine living in a world where people didn't have social media, so the way you were seen in society was crucial. Wilde knew firsthand the sting of public opinion—he experienced both fame and infamy.

Let's bring this concept into modern times with a real-life example. Think about celebrities today. Take someone like Kim Kardashian. People have a lot to say about her—whether it’s about her fashion choices, her reality TV show, or her business ventures. She’s constantly in the public eye, and not all of the attention is positive. People criticize her for being famous for being famous, but here’s the thing: she’s still famous. She’s relevant. Her name is always in the headlines, and that keeps her brand alive and thriving. If people stopped talking about her altogether, she'd fade from the spotlight—and that would be a bigger issue for her career than any amount of bad press.

So, how can you apply this bit of wisdom to your own life? Think about the times you’ve avoided doing something because you were afraid of what people might say. Maybe you didn't share your art because you thought people would laugh, or you held back a bold idea at work because you feared criticism. The key is to understand that being noticed—even if some of the talk is negative—means you’re making an impact. It’s better to be in the conversation than to be invisible.

Imagine you’re at a party. You’re standing in the corner, not talking to anyone because you’re worried about saying something embarrassing. But then you realize that by not participating, you’re missing out on making connections and having fun. So, you dive into a conversation. Maybe you say something silly and people laugh—but now, they know who you are. They’ll remember you. They’ll come up to you later and start a new conversation. You’ve made an impression, and that’s worth the risk of a little embarrassment.

In a nutshell, don’t shy away from putting yourself out there. It’s better to be the topic of conversation, even if it means facing some criticism. Being talked about means you’re relevant, you’re part of the world, and you’re making an impact. So go ahead—take that leap, share your ideas, and let people talk.