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struggles, the idea of holding on to hope despite difficult circumstances feels as relevant as ever. That is perhaps why the dialogue, later delivered by Scarlett Johansson in the film A Good Woman, still sparks conversations today. Its message is simple, timeless and surprisingly powerful.The dialogue reads: We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. While many movie lovers associate the line with Scarlett Johansson's performance in A Good Woman, its origins go much further back. The quote was originally written by celebrated Irish playwright Oscar Wilde for his 1892 play Lady Windermere's Fan.In the play, the line is spoken by the witty and charming character Lord Darlington. Over the decades, it has become one of Wilde's most quoted observations on human nature and resilience.The dialogue found a new audience in 2004 when it appeared in A Good Woman, director Mike Barker's film adaptation of Lady Windermere's Fan. Scarlett Johansson, who played Meg Windermere in the film, brought Wilde's words to the screen, introducing them to viewers who may never have encountered the original play.What does the dialogue mean?At first glance, the line appears simple. But its strength lies in the contrast between two vivid images. The gutter represents the difficult realities of life. It can symbolise poverty, failure, disappointment, heartbreak, uncertainty or any challenge that people face. Wilde's point is that no one is completely free from struggle. Every person encounters setbacks and imperfections at some stage of life.131491936The stars, on the other hand, represent hope, ambition, beauty and possibility. They symbolise the dreams and goals that inspire people to keep moving forward.Together, these two images create a powerful message. Life may not always be ideal, but people still have the ability to choose their perspective. Some become consumed by hardship, while others continue to focus on what lies ahead.A lesson in mindsetOne reason this dialogue remains popular is that it avoids unrealistic optimism. Wilde does not suggest that life is perfect or that suffering can simply be ignored. Instead, he acknowledges that difficult circumstances are often unavoidable. The difference lies in how people respond to them.The dialogue suggests that while individuals cannot always control what happens around them, they can often control where they direct their attention. Looking at the stars does not erase the gutter, but it prevents hardship from becoming the entire story.That lesson continues to resonate in modern life, whether someone is dealing with career setbacks, personal struggles or everyday challenges.Why Oscar Wilde's words still matterAccording to the Poetry Foundation, Oscar Wilde remains one of the most influential literary figures of the late nineteenth century. His sharp wit, social commentary and memorable dialogue helped shape English literature.Wilde is best known for works such as The Importance of Being Earnest, The Picture of Dorian Gray and De Profundis. His writing often mixed with humour with deeper reflections on society, morality and human behaviour.Many of his observations continue to circulate today because they speak to universal experiences. The quote about the gutter and the stars is one of the clearest examples of Wilde's ability to express a profound idea in just a few words.Scarlett Johansson's connection to the quoteFor many younger audiences, the line gained renewed visibility through Scarlett Johansson's appearance in A Good Woman. The actress, who would later become one of Hollywood's biggest stars, helped introduce Wilde's classic dialogue to a new generation.The Hollywood actress went on to earn acclaim for performances in films such as Lost in Translation, Marriage Story and Marvel's Black Widow. Her career has made her one of the most recognisable names in the entertainment industry.According to Forbes 2026 report, Scarlett Johansson has consistently ranked among Hollywood's highest-paid actors. Her net worth is reportedly around $165 million. Despite her blockbuster success, she has often spoken about overcoming challenges earlier in life. In interviews, she has recalled growing up in a household where money was tight, and her family relied on welfare support at times.Why the dialogue continues to trendPart of the quote's enduring appeal is its universality. It does not belong to one generation, profession or culture. Anyone facing a difficult situation can understand the image of standing in a metaphorical gutter while still searching for something brighter.More than a century after Oscar Wilde first wrote the line and two decades after Scarlett Johansson helped bring it back to popular culture through A Good Woman, its message remains unchanged.