William Somerset Maugham
Quotes
I am a little shy of any assumption of moral indignation. There is always in it an element of self-satisfaction which makes it awkward to anyone who has a sense of humour.
p. 116
The Moon And SixpenceI forget who it was that recommended men for their soul's good to do each day two things they disliked: it was a wise man, and it is a precept that I have followed scrupulously; for every day I have got up and I have gone to bed.
p. 11
The Moon And SixpenceIt might be that to surrender to happiness was to accept defeat, but it was a defeat better than many victories.
Of Human BondageHe had heard people speak contemptuously of money: he wondered if they had ever tried to do without it.
Of Human BondageIt's asking a great deal that things should appeal to your reason as well as your sense of the aesthetic.
Of Human BondageIt is cruel to discover one's mediocrity only when it is too late.
Of Human Bondage“A woman can forgive a man for the harm he does her,” he said, “but she can never forgive him for the sacrifices he makes on her account.”
p. 142
The Moon And SixpenceWe must go through life so inconspicuously that Fate does not notice us.
p. 129
The Moon And SixpenceI daresay one profits more by the mistakes one makes off one's own bat than by doing the right thing on somebody's else advice.
Of Human BondageShe was making money. But she could not get over the idea that to earn her living was somewhat undignified, and she was inclined to remind you that she was a lady by birth.
p. 63
The Moon And SixpenceIt is not true that suffering ennobles the character; happiness does that sometimes, but suffering, for the most part, makes men petty and vindictive.
p. 64
The Moon And SixpencePeople ask you for criticism, but they only want praise.
Of Human Bondage
