Explanation of an epigram from "Portrait of Dorian Gray"

For those of you familiar with this novel, I'm inquiring the meaning of Lord Henry Wotton's "The world goes to the altar of its own accord" in chapter 18.

Thanks.

*I meant "Picture of Dorian Gray" in the title*

Quote:

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"You would sacrifice anybody, Harry, for the sake of an epigram."
"The world goes to the altar of its own accord," was the answer.

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Basically he is being playful with Dorian, saying that what the world does is not his fault. I suppose you delve into this comment and make an argument for Dorian's "corruption" being of his own making and not the fault of Henry Wotton himself.

Edit: Of course the idea of sacrifice is also important in light of the fact that James Vane has metaphorically been scarificed at this point too, sacrificed so that Dorian can live. The dark connotation which is attached to the idea of sacrifice and death is also significant in light of what is to shortly follow.