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He looked at the people walking about and envied them…

“He looked at the people walking about and envied them because they had friends; sometimes his envy turned to hatred because they were happy and he was miserable. He had never imagined that it was possible to be so lonely in a great city. Sometimes” quote by William Somerset Maugham
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““He looked at the people walking about and envied them because they had friends; sometimes his envy turned to hatred because they were happy and he was miserable. He had never imagined that it was possible to be so lonely in a great city. Sometimes””

William 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 narrator feels deep loneliness in a bustling city, envying others' friendships and happiness while he remains isolated and bitter.

In simple terms: Loneliness can feel worse amid crowds when you lack connections.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and seek genuine connections.

Themes

loneliness envy urban isolation friendship mental health

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • city life
  • social gatherings
  • personal reflection
  • therapy sessions

Key Concepts

existential angst social comparison urban alienation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What steps can you take to build meaningful relationships?
  • How does comparing yourself to others affect your wellbeing?
A Different Perspective

Loneliness can also stem from personal choices, not just external circumstances.

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