Context

Did you know Oscar Wilde wrote a children's book? Yup! This story is from the volume The Happy Prince and Other Tales, and is all about an arrogant and boastful firework who just knows he's gonna be awesome when he's finally lit and he explodes. Aww, that firework thinks he's people.

The remarkable rocket is a pretty big bragger so he starts telling everyone he meets (other fireworks and eventually farm animals) how amazing and smart and outstanding he actually is. And when other things start ignoring him, that's no problem. He'll just keep on talking to himself. He's an amazing talker. Heck, sometimes he says stuff that he doesn't even understand. Obviously.

This quote is classic Oscar Wilde and it should definitely be marked as #sarcasm. The rocket is trying to tell us he's so witty and clever, but in the same breath is revealing that he's pretty much just a pompous idiot. He sounds like some politicians we could name.

Where you've heard it

This quote is kind of like a personal jab to the speaker, so you'll probably hear it mostly in a joking context. People who are truly arrogant and stupid don't quote Oscar Wilde. They probably don't quote anyone but themselves.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

We're gonna go ahead and assume you're not just talking because you like the sound of your own voice, like that pompous little rocket. If we're right, then this quote should produce a pretty good chuckle at your next get together.