Who said “I know not whether Laws be right or whether Laws be wrong; all that we know who live in…”?

Verified

Oscar Wilde. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe Ballad of Reading Gaol (1898)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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“I know not whether Laws be right or whether Laws be wrong; all that we know who live in goal is that the wall is strong; and that each day is like a year, a year whose days are long.”
VerifiedThe Ballad of Reading Gaol (1898) · evidencePrison

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Ballad of Reading Gaol (1898).

APA

Wilde, O. (n.d.). I know not whether Laws be right or whether Laws be wrong; all that we know who live in goal is that the wall is strong; and that each day is like a year, a year whose days are long. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/34438-i-know-not-whether-laws-be-right-or/

MLA

Wilde, Oscar. “I know not whether Laws be right or whether Laws be wrong; all that we know who live in goal is that the wall is strong; and that each day is like a year, a year whose days are long.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/34438-i-know-not-whether-laws-be-right-or/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Wilde, Oscar. “I know not whether Laws be right or whether Laws be wrong; all that we know who live in goal is that the wall is strong; and that each day is like a year, a year whose days are long.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/34438-i-know-not-whether-laws-be-right-or/.