“The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about.”
— Oscar Wilde
Simplified Meaning:
People prefer to be the focus of others' conversations rather than be ignored completely. When someone is talked about, even if the comments are not always positive, they remain relevant and in the minds of others. For instance, celebrities often receive both praise and criticism in the media, but this constant attention keeps them popular and influential. On the other hand, once a celebrity stops being mentioned, they fade from public memory and lose their influence. In everyday life, it's similar to wanting to be included in a group rather than feeling invisible. To apply this wisdom, understanding that all attention keeps you part of the social loop can encourage you to engage more with people instead of shying away due to fear of negative talk. Staying present and active in conversations is better than being forgotten.