He has nothing but looks everything What more can a man desire this is an extract from The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde Is it a paradox wat does it mean?

Answer 1

I have not looked up the passage, but the meaning seems pretty clear. It would refer to someone whose appearance fools people into thinking he possesses more than he does. According to the context, this might refer either to material goods (He has nothing = He is poor) or personal qualities (He has nothing = He has no talent, no personality, no charm, no education etc. etc.). Wilde is as usual being ironic, and criticising the tendency not only to judge someone by external appearances, but also of people to seek to appear what they are not. For example, rather than think about Shakespeare's 18th Sonnet and come to understand what it means, to ask on Answers.com "What is an outline of Shakespeare's 18th sonnet?" and use that to give your teacher the impression (the appearance) that you possess some knowledge when you actually remain a complete ignoramus.

Answer 2

Yes, this excerpt is a paradox. It means that although the man may possess little in material wealth or substance, his external appearance or "looks" are enough to fulfill his desires. This paradox highlights the superficial and often contradictory nature of human desires.