Skip to content

The Absolute. Reality. You can't say what it is; you can…

“The Absolute. Reality. You can't say what it is; you can only say what it isn't. It's inexpressible. It's nowhere and everywhere. All things imply and depend upon it. It's not a person, it's not a thing, it's not a cause. It has no qualities. It transcends permanence and change; whole and part…” quote by W. Somerset Maugham
Download Open image
““The Absolute. Reality. You can't say what it is; you can only say what it isn't. It's inexpressible. It's nowhere and everywhere. All things imply and depend upon it. It's not a person, it's not a thing, it's not a cause. It has no qualities. It transcends permanence and change; whole and part, finite and infinite. It is eternal because its completeness and perfection are unrelated to time. It is truth and freedom.””

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.

The quote describes an ultimate, indescribable reality that is beyond all categories, qualities, and temporal limits, representing truth and freedom.

In simple terms: An indescribable ultimate reality beyond all categories.

Key Takeaway

Recognize limits of conceptual thought.

Themes

philosophy metaphysics truth freedom eternity

Mood

contemplative enigmatic

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • Meditation
  • theoretical discussion
  • spiritual practice
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

Absolute non-duality transcendence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we experience something beyond description?
  • What does freedom mean without constraints?
A Different Perspective

It may be too abstract for practical guidance.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by W. Somerset Maugham

Explore all 840 W. Somerset Maugham quotes

More Absolute quotes

Browse all 631 Absolute quotes