Accepting Quote by W. Somerset Maugham
“It is clear that men accept an immediate pain rather than an immediate pleasure, but only because they expect a greater pleasure in the future. Often the pleasure is illusory, but their error in calculation is no refutation of the rule. You are puzzled because you cannot get over the idea that pleasures are only of the sense; but, child, a man who dies for his country dies because he likes it as surely as a man eats pickled cabbage because he likes it.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of the Novel, 1925
People often choose short‑term pain over short‑term pleasure, hoping for greater future reward, though that reward may be imagined.
In simple terms: Choosing pain now for hoped‑for future pleasure.
Key Takeaway
Consider long‑term consequences of choices.
Themes
pain
pleasure
future orientation
delusion
decision making
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- career planning
- health decisions
- financial investments
- personal sacrifices
Key Concepts
discounting
expectation
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- What future reward are you chasing?
- Is the pain worth the hoped outcome?
A Different Perspective
Future pleasure may never materialize, leading to regret.
