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You must know what life is. One can do no good by shutting…

“You must know what life is. One can do no good by shutting one's eyes to everything that doesn't square with a shoddy, false ideal.” quote by W. Somerset Maugham
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““You must know what life is. One can do no good by shutting one's eyes to everything that doesn't square with a shoddy, false ideal.””

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.

Understanding reality requires confronting uncomfortable truths rather than clinging to false ideals.

In simple terms: Face reality, not false ideals.

Key Takeaway

Seek truth over comfort.

Themes

truth idealism awareness

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • debates
  • personal growth
  • ethical decisions
  • leadership

Key Concepts

cognitive dissonance integrity critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • What false ideals do you hold?
  • How can you balance idealism with practicality?
A Different Perspective

Idealism can blind practical action.

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