´Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life´ The Decay of Lying includes two of Wilde´s most comprehensive - and witty - explorations of his aesthetic philosphy: ´The Decay of Lying´ and ´The Critic as Artist´. GREAT IDEAS. Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are.