“Passion may be false, trivial or unnatural, but, if violent enough, is not without some trace of grandeur.” — W. Somerset Maugham Passion Copy Share Image
Life is so largely controlled by chance that its conduct can be but a perpetual improvisation. — W. Somerset Maugham Chance Copy Share Image
“The illusion of free will is so strong in my mind that I can't get away from it, but I believe it… — W. Somerset Maugham Psychology Copy Share Image
When some incident has shattered the career you’ve mapped out for yourself, a folly, a crime or a misfortune, you mustn’t think… — W. Somerset Maugham Careers Copy Share Image
“What on earth did you want with an early Christian sarcophagus, Elliot?" "To put myself in it, my dear fellow. It was… — W. Somerset Maugham Christianity Copy Share Image
He did not care if she was heartless, vicious and vulgar, stupid and grasping, he loved her. He would rather have misery… — W. Somerset Maugham Care Copy Share Image
“I don't ask you to forgive me. I don't ask you to love me as you used to love me. But couldn't… — W. Somerset Maugham Forgiveness Copy Share Image
The artist produces for the liberation of his soul. It is his nature to create as it is the nature of water… — W. Somerset Maugham Art Copy Share Image
Charm and nothing but charm at last grows a little tiresome. It's a relief then to deal with a man who isn't… — W. Somerset Maugham Charm Copy Share Image
“No one any good you be sure,' said Mrs. Kemp. 'I can't swaller these new people as are comin' in; the street… — W. Somerset Maugham Copy Share Image
Perhaps the most important use of money - It saves time. Life is so short, and there's so much to do, one… — W. Somerset Maugham Bus Copy Share Image
The humour of Dostoievsky is the humour of a barloafer who ties a kettle to a dog's tail. — W. Somerset Maugham Dog Copy Share Image
I wonder how anyone can have the face to condemn others when he reflects upon his own thoughts. — W. Somerset Maugham Faces Copy Share Image
You learn more quickly under the guidance of experienced teachers. You waste a lot of time going down blind alleys if you… — W. Somerset Maugham Alleys Copy Share Image
There is nothing so terrible as the pursuit of art by those who have no talent. — W. Somerset Maugham Art Copy Share Image
Simplicity and naturalness are the truest marks of distinction. — W. Somerset Maugham Distinction Copy Share Image
“But their fondest thoughts went to the two sons who had brought honour and glory to their ancient name.” — W. Somerset Maugham Copy Share Image
“Even here is something sad and terrible. But the impression is fleeting, and serves only to give a greater acuteness to the… — W. Somerset Maugham Business Copy Share Image
“What he taught was very simple. He taught that we are all greater than we know and that wisdom is the means… — W. Somerset Maugham Freedom Copy Share Image
The great critic … must be a philosopher, for from philosophy he will learn serenity, impartiality, and the transitoriness of human things. — W. Somerset Maugham Critics Copy Share Image
Art for art's sake makes no more sense than gin for gin's sake. — W. Somerset Maugham Advertising Copy Share Image
Perhaps some deep-rooted atavism urges the wanderer back to lands which his ancestors left in the dim beginnings of history. Sometimes a… — W. Somerset Maugham Ancestor Copy Share Image
“Is that what we come into the world for, to hurry to an office, and work hour after hour till night, then… — W. Somerset Maugham Youth Copy Share Image
The secret to life is meaningless unless you discover it yourself. — W. Somerset Maugham Inspirational Copy Share Image
