Things were easier for the old novelists who saw people all of a piece. Speaking generally, their heroes were good through and through, their villains wholly bad.

Quote by W -Somerset Maugham

Topics: W Somerset Maugham Quotes

It wasn't until late in life that I discovered how easy it is to say...

It wasn't until late in life that I discovered how easy it is to say...

Sentimentality is the only sentiment that rubs you the wrong way.

Sentimentality is the only sentiment that rubs you the wrong way.

Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a...

Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a...

It is funny about life: if you refuse to accept anything but the very best...

It is funny about life: if you refuse to accept anything but the very best...

Only a mediocre person is always at his best.

Only a mediocre person is always at his best.

The world in general doesn't know what to make of originality; it is startled out...

The world in general doesn't know what to make of originality; it is startled out...

If a nation values anything more than freedom, it will lose its freedom, and the...

If a nation values anything more than freedom, it will lose its freedom, and the...

The most useful thing about a principle is that it can always be sacrificed to...

The most useful thing about a principle is that it can always be sacrificed to...

By the time a man notices that he is no longer young, his youth has...

By the time a man notices that he is no longer young, his youth has...

You are not angry with people when you laugh at them. Humor teaches tolerance.

You are not angry with people when you laugh at them. Humor teaches tolerance.

The love that lasts longest is the love that is never returned.

The love that lasts longest is the love that is never returned.

There are two good things in life - freedom of thought and freedom of action.

There are two good things in life - freedom of thought and freedom of action.

At a dinner party one should eat wisely but not too well, and talk well...

At a dinner party one should eat wisely but not too well, and talk well...

The world is quickly bored by the recital of misfortune, and willing avoids the sight...

The world is quickly bored by the recital of misfortune, and willing avoids the sight...

There is no explanation for evil. It must be looked upon as a necessary part...

There is no explanation for evil. It must be looked upon as a necessary part...

Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its...

Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its...

Anyone can tell the truth, but only very few of us can make epigrams.

Anyone can tell the truth, but only very few of us can make epigrams.

No egoism is so insufferable as that of the Christian with regard to his soul.

No egoism is so insufferable as that of the Christian with regard to his soul.