Sosialismi ja individualismi

In this thought‑provoking essay, Wilde examines the tension between collective ideals and personal freedom. He begins by arguing that true socialism would free individuals from the drudgery of labor performed solely for others, a condition he describes as a ubiquitous, oppressive burden. Drawing on historical figures—from Darwin to Keats—he illustrates how rare genius can rise above society’s demands and discover a private sanctuary of self‑realisation.

Wilde then turns to the darker side of altruism, contending that excessive self‑sacrifice often masks deeper anxieties and leaves people vulnerable to manipulation. He observes that compassion can be driven more by emotional reflex than by rational judgment, turning noble intent into a kind of social contagion that prolongs suffering rather than cures it. Through vivid contrasts and sharp wit, he invites listeners to reconsider how much of our moral impulse is truly free and how much is bound up in the expectations of the crowd.