“The title for this story comes from the Dutch philosopher Spinoza, who gave Part IV of his work Ethics the title Of Human Bondage, or the Strength of the Emotions. Spinoza makes the point that humans are held hostage by… — William Somerset Maugham Copy Share Image
“He thought the best thing he had gained in Paris was a complete liberty of spirit, and he felt himself at last absolutely free. In a desultory way he had read a good deal of philosophy, and he looked forward… — William Somerset Maugham Copy Share Image
“You know, I don’t believe in churches and parsons and all that,” she said, “but I believe in God, and I don’t believe He… — William Somerset Maugham Copy Share Image
“It was the period in Germany of Goethe’s highest fame. Notwithstanding his rather condescending attitude towards patriotism he had been adopted as the national… — William Somerset Maugham Copy Share Image
If people waited to know one another before they married, the world wouldn't be so grossly over-populated as it is now — William Somerset Maugham Copy Share Image
“It was an exquisite memorial to that than which the world offers but one thing more precious, to a friendship; and as Philip looked… — William Somerset Maugham Copy Share Image
Money is like a sixth sense - and you can't make use of the other five without it. — William Somerset Maugham Copy Share Image
“She knew nothing about children. After it was settled that Philip should come down to Blackstable, Mrs. Carey had thought much how she should… — William Somerset Maugham Copy Share Image
“His heart went out to them. There was one quality which they had that he did not remember to have noticed in people before,… — William Somerset Maugham Copy Share Image
“Man has always found it easier to sacrifice his life than to learn the multiplication table.” — William Somerset Maugham Copy Share Image
“Philip came gradually to know the people he was to live with, and by fragments of conversation, some of it not meant for his… — William Somerset Maugham Copy Share Image
“The bright hopes of youth had to be paid for at such a bitter price of disillusionment. Pain and disease and unhappiness weighed down… — William Somerset Maugham Copy Share Image
“Then he saw that the normal was the rarest thing in the world. Everyone had some defect, of body or of mind: he thought… — William Somerset Maugham Copy Share Image
“Next morning on her way to the factory Liza came up with Sally. They were both of them rather stale and bedraggled after the… — William Somerset Maugham Copy Share Image
