Egotistical Quote by W. Somerset Maugham
““The common idea that success spoils people by making them vain, egotistical and self-complacent is erroneous; on the contrary, it makes them , for the most part, humble, tolerant and kind. Failure makes people bitter and cruel.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Unbearable Lightness of Success, 1930
Success tends to foster humility, tolerance, and kindness, while failure often breeds bitterness and cruelty.
In simple terms: Success can make people kinder; failure can make them harsher.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate humility regardless of outcomes.
Themes
humility
kindness
failure
success
character
Mood
reflective
balanced
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- leadership
- personal development
- team management
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
psychology
social behavior
morality
Questions to Reflect On
- How does success affect your empathy?
- Can failure be a catalyst for growth?
A Different Perspective
Success does not automatically guarantee humility; personal reflection is needed.
