Adultery Quote by W. Somerset Maugham
“Hypocrisy is the most difficult and nerve-racking vice that any man can pursue; it needs an unceasing vigilance and a rare detachment of spirit. It cannot, like adultery or gluttony, be practiced at spare moments; it is a whole-time job.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Darkest Day, 1925
Hypocrisy demands constant vigilance and detachment, making it a demanding, all‑consuming vice.
In simple terms: Hypocrisy is a full‑time, exhausting vice.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate honesty and self‑awareness.
Themes
hypocrisy
self‑control
integrity
vigilance
psychology
Mood
uneasy
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- workplace ethics
- political discourse
- social media
- family dynamics
Key Concepts
moral fatigue
cognitive dissonance
self‑deception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you detect your own hypocrisy?
- Can you ever be fully honest?
A Different Perspective
Complete honesty may be socially costly.
