This quote caught my eye and made me think.
His admitted self-centeredness in its pure form was a form of social disobedience, his poetry and books cut against long established behavioral norms. He was an early proponent of the "If it feels good do it" philosophy.
Today you hear lip service given to "the rule of law" this statement has become no more then a line in a speech. The Bible is creatively quoted to support evil or condemn good. History is conveniently rewritten and events are exaggerated or censored.
The phrase, in my opinion, rationalizations, situation ethics and nuance now bend and shape any definition of right and wrong. To sight an authority that states anything is right or wrong can get you banned, censored, fired, shamed, fined, sued or imprisoned. In other words long established principles.
Personalities or people all have opinions. Throughout history the most powerful person can force their opinions on others. They can be called dictators, rulers, politicians, bureaucrats or bullies. Unfortunately these personalities do not look after the best interests of anyone other then themselves.
I have had personal experience following my own personality. Even I did not look after my best interests. I indulged in self interests feeding my wants, appetites and cravings rationalizing that I was only hurting myself.
I eventually surrendered to an authority I could trust. People have their own agenda but God has my best interests at heart. I don't like some of His limitations and requirements but over the years I can see these are the principles I must live by.
Society today has lost their anchor and is now adrift. I won't go into any details they are slowly being revealed. Principles is what we need but personalities are driving by in a windowless van offering us candy.
We have the twelve traditions in AA, the focus on anonymity is based on limiting the focus on personalities and a focus on spiritual principles.
Oscar Wilde is correct in his observation but totally wrong about what is good for mankind.
