Art Quote by W. Somerset Maugham
““Oh, my dear fellow, if you want to be a gentleman you must give up being an artist. They’ve got nothing to do with one another. You hear of men painting pot-boilers to keep an aged mother – well, it shows they’re excellent sons, but it’s no excuse for bad work. They’re only tradesmen. An artist would let his mother go to the workhouse.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham, 1915
Choosing a respectable profession over artistic passion sacrifices creativity for social approval.
In simple terms: Giving up art for respectability limits personal expression.
Key Takeaway
Balance duty and art.
Themes
career
art
society
family
responsibility
Mood
conflicted
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- career decisions
- family support
- artistic pursuits
Key Concepts
social expectations
artistic integrity
family obligations
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it worth sacrificing passion for status?
- How can one honor family while staying true to art?
A Different Perspective
Artistic compromise may lead to personal regret.
