Who said “As for begging, it is safer to beg than to take, but it is finer to take than to beg.”?

Verified

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

SourceThe Soul of Man Under Socialism (1891)

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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“As for begging, it is safer to beg than to take, but it is finer to take than to beg.”
VerifiedThe Soul of Man Under Socialism (1891) · evidenceBeggars

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Soul of Man Under Socialism (1891).

APA

Wilde, O. (n.d.). As for begging, it is safer to beg than to take, but it is finer to take than to beg. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/7860-as-for-begging-it-is-safer-to-beg/

MLA

Wilde, Oscar. “As for begging, it is safer to beg than to take, but it is finer to take than to beg.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/7860-as-for-begging-it-is-safer-to-beg/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Wilde, Oscar. “As for begging, it is safer to beg than to take, but it is finer to take than to beg.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/7860-as-for-begging-it-is-safer-to-beg/.