Acquaintance Quote by W. Somerset Maugham
“I was a stray acquaintance whom he had never seem before and would never see again, a wandered for a moment through his monotonous life, and some starved impulse left him to lay bare his soul. I have in this way learned more about men in a night than I could if I had known them for 10 years. If you are interested in human nature, it is one of the greatest pleasures of travel.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Razor's Edge by W. Somerset Maugham, 1944
Brief encounters reveal deeper truths about humanity than long‑term familiarity.
In simple terms: Short meetings teach more about people than years.
Key Takeaway
Seek insight in fleeting moments.
Themes
human nature
travel
observation
Mood
reflective
curious
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- travel
- solo journeys
- nighttime reflections
- cultural immersion
Key Concepts
psychology
epiphany
transience
Questions to Reflect On
- What fleeting moment changed your view of people?
- How does travel sharpen your understanding of humanity?
A Different Perspective
Short encounters may lack context for accurate judgment.
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