Indeed, so far from being humorous, the male American is the most abnormally serious creature who ever existed.. It is only fair to admit that he can exaggerate, but even his exaggeration has a rational basis. It is not founded on wit or fancy; it does not spring from any poetic imagination.

The Artist as Critic: Critical Writings of Oscar Wilde (ed. University of Chicago Press, 1969) - ISBN: 9780226897646