"Es absurdo dividir a las personas en buenas y malas. Las personas son encantadoras o tediosas."

Oscar Wilde, with his characteristic wit, challenges the conventional morality of categorizing people as simply good or bad. Instead, he proposes a different, more subjective measure: how engaging or dull we find them. This idea flips the script, suggesting that our perception of people should be based on personal enjoyment rather than moral judgment.

Historically, Wilde was a Victorian-era writer known for his criticism of society's rigid norms and moral codes. He lived in a time when society was obsessed with propriety and strict moral conduct. By making this statement, he poked fun at the pretentiousness of his contemporaries and their black-and-white views on human character.

Imagine you're at a party, and there are two people you can talk to. One person is endlessly fascinating—they have intriguing stories, a sharp sense of humor, and you find yourself losing track of time while chatting with them. The other person, however, drones on about topics that don't interest you and seems to have a knack for making every conversation feel like it's dragging. Wilde would argue that the first person is charming and the second is tedious. The traditional labels of good or bad fall away; what matters is how they make you feel.

To put this into practice, think about your own social interactions. Rather than passing judgment on someone's moral worth, ask yourself how they affect your experience. Do they light up the room, or do they make you want to check your watch? By focusing on this, you can cultivate a circle of people who enrich your life and make it more enjoyable.

A more relatable example might help. Picture this: You’re at your high school reunion. There’s Sarah, the class valedictorian who now works for a prestigious law firm. But as you talk to her, you realize she’s all about her work achievements and has little interest in anything else. Then there's Jake, who was always a bit of a class clown. He talks about his adventures traveling across South America, his latest hobby of urban gardening, and his hilarious mishaps along the way. You find yourself laughing and genuinely enjoying the conversation with Jake, while with Sarah, you feel like you’re ticking a box on a checklist.

Wilde's idea encourages us to reframe our interactions. Instead of judging people by rigid standards, focus on how they make you feel. Are they engaging or dull? This shift can free you from unnecessary judgments and allow you to enjoy people for who they are.

In your daily life, give this approach a try. Next time you're meeting someone new, pay attention to how you feel during the interaction. Are you energized and interested, or are you looking for an escape route? This doesn't mean you should dismiss people who don't immediately charm you, but it can help you prioritize your social energy on those who add joy and interest to your life.

So, the next time you find yourself in a social setting, forget about labeling people as good or bad. Instead, ask yourself a simpler question: are you entertained? By doing this, you'll find your social experiences are richer and more enjoyable. It's a small shift in perspective, but it can make a world of difference.