Skip to content

Enough Quote by W. Somerset Maugham

“It is bad enough to know the past; it would be intolerable to know the future.” quote by W. Somerset Maugham
Download Open image
“It is bad enough to know the past; it would be intolerable to know the future.”

W. Somerset Maugham

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Art of Fiction, 1921

Knowing the past is painful; knowing the future would be unbearable.

In simple terms: Past hurts, future knowledge would be overwhelming.

Key Takeaway

Live in the present, accept uncertainty.

Themes

philosophy time human limitation

Mood

thoughtful philosophical

Type

existential literary

When to use this quote

  • personal decision‑making
  • stress management
  • mindfulness practice

Key Concepts

epistemology existential dread temporal awareness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does uncertainty shape personal growth?
  • Can embracing the unknown improve resilience?
A Different Perspective

Some argue that limited foresight can hinder planning.

4.2 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by W. Somerset Maugham

Explore all 840 W. Somerset Maugham quotes

More Enough quotes

Browse all 23,898 Enough quotes