Who said “A pessimist is one who, when he has the choice of two evils, chooses both.”?

Disputed

It's credited to Oscar Wilde, but no reliable source from their lifetime has been found.

What the research foundNo reliable early source found for Oscar Wilde.

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APA

“A pessimist is one who, when he has the choice of two evils, chooses both.” [Quotation attributed to Oscar Wilde]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/27924-a-pessimist-is-one-who-when-he-has/

MLA

“A pessimist is one who, when he has the choice of two evils, chooses both.” Attributed to Oscar Wilde. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/27924-a-pessimist-is-one-who-when-he-has/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“A pessimist is one who, when he has the choice of two evils, chooses both.” Attributed to Oscar Wilde. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/27924-a-pessimist-is-one-who-when-he-has/.

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