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.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Of Human Bondage, 1915
People often choose short‑term pain over short‑term pleasure, hoping for larger future rewards that may be illusory.
In simple terms: Choosing pain now for imagined future pleasure.
Key Takeaway
Beware of overvaluing uncertain future rewards.
Themes
psychology
decision‑making
future bias
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- financial planning
- health choices
- career moves
Key Concepts
temporal discounting
risk assessment
self‑control
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you overestimate future benefits?
- What evidence supports your expectation?
A Different Perspective
Future pleasure may never materialize, making the sacrifice pointless.
