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Cruelty Quote by W. Somerset Maugham

“There is no cruelty greater than a woman's to a man who loves her and whom she does not love; she has no kindness then, no tolerance even, she has only an insane irritation.” quote by W. Somerset Maugham
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“There is no cruelty greater than a woman's to a man who loves her and whom she does not love; she has no kindness then, no tolerance even, she has only an insane irritation.”

W. Somerset Maugham

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Razor's Edge, 1944

A woman can be cruel to a man who loves her when she does not love him, showing no kindness or tolerance, only irrational irritation.

In simple terms: Unrequited love can cause harshness.

Key Takeaway

Beware of letting love turn into cruelty.

Themes

love cruelty unrequited gender dynamics

Mood

sad reflective

Type

philosophical emotional

When to use this quote

  • romantic relationships
  • marriage counseling
  • friendship boundaries

Key Concepts

psychology emotional intelligence relationship dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you recognize signs of resentment in love?
  • How can one maintain kindness despite unreciprocated feelings?
A Different Perspective

Love may become cruelty when expectations are unmet.

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