Every Saint Has A Past and Every Sinner Has A Future.

In my very short life on earth, I have had many obsessions. One of those obsessions was famous words or quotes, and another was Oscar Wilde's writing. Naturally, I came across the famous and utterly misused quote of, 'Every Saint Has A Past and Every Sinner Has A Future' from the play 'A Woman Of No Importance.'

Upon first glance and as many websites have said, this quote is about redemption and second chances. However, Wilde would laugh in your face if he was to be told of this interpretation, as he meant the exact opposite.

This quote, in context of the play, translates to referring to saints as fools for giving up their past life, and calls upon the good fortune of sinners who still have future opportunities to indulge in illicit behavior. Lord Illingworth, the character from the play to whom this dialogue belongs, was a man of immoral deeds and unprincipled nature.

While his quote has unintentionally taught many about how not to focus on man's present, give second chances, and believe in people's change of hearts, Wilde's words have also taught a lesson of the modern age. A lesson on how the face value of something could mean something entirely opposite under its surface. 

It teaches us how if the media feeds you a notion, you will believe it. It teaches you to question what you read at least once. Just so you don't make a fool of yourself by quoting the wrong words in the Supreme Court just like one of the justices once did during his verdict.