First time Quote by W. Somerset Maugham
““At last they came to an eminence from which they saw the valley of the Rhine spread out before them under the sun. It was a vast stretch of country, sparkling with golden light, with cities in the distance; and through it meandered the silver ribband of the river. Wide spaces are rare in the corner of Kent which Philip knew, the sea offers the only broad horizon, and the immense distance he saw now gave him a peculiar, an indescribable thrill. He felt suddenly elated. Though he did not know it, it was the first time that he had experienced, quite undiluted with foreign emotions, the sense of beauty. They sat on a bench, the three of them, for the others had gone on, and while the girls talked in rapid German, Philip, indifferent to their proximity, feasted his eyes. ‘By jove, I am happy,’ he said to himself, unconsciously.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Moon and Sixpence, 1919
A traveler experiences an overwhelming, pure sense of beauty in a vast landscape, feeling sudden joy and exhilaration.
In simple terms: A man feels intense joy seeing a beautiful valley.
Key Takeaway
Pause to appreciate natural beauty when it moves you.
Themes
beauty
joy
exploration
nature
self‑discovery
Mood
wonder
elation
peaceful
Type
reflective
inspirational
When to use this quote
- hiking
- photography
- travel writing
- mindful walking
- creative inspiration
Key Concepts
aesthetic appreciation
emotional awakening
travel inspiration
Questions to Reflect On
- How does landscape shape emotional states?
- Can such moments inspire lasting change?
A Different Perspective
The feeling may be fleeting and tied to personal context.
