Skip to content

I know that you're selfish, selfish beyond words, and I…

“I know that you're selfish, selfish beyond words, and I know that you haven't the nerve of a rabbit, I know you're a liar and a humbug, I know that you're utterly contemptible. And the tragic part is'--her face was on a sudden distraught with pain--'the tragic part is that notwithstanding I love…” quote by W. Somerset Maugham
Download Open image
“I know that you're selfish, selfish beyond words, and I know that you haven't the nerve of a rabbit, I know you're a liar and a humbug, I know that you're utterly contemptible. And the tragic part is'--her face was on a sudden distraught with pain--'the tragic part is that notwithstanding I love you with all my heart.”

W. Somerset Maugham

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A lover accuses his partner of many flaws yet confesses deep love, highlighting contradictory emotions.

In simple terms: Love coexists with harsh judgment.

Key Takeaway

Accept love’s complexity.

Themes

love betrayal self‑esteem contradiction

Mood

melancholic intense

Type

dramatic emotional

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • confession
  • self‑reflection

Key Concepts

psychology of love emotional conflict

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you reconcile love with contempt?
  • What does this reveal about self‑worth?
A Different Perspective

Love may be idealized, not fully realistic.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by W. Somerset Maugham

Explore all 840 W. Somerset Maugham quotes

More Distraught quotes

Browse all 41 Distraught quotes