Description Quote by W. Somerset Maugham
“There's nothing the world loves more than a ready-made description which they can hang on to a man, and so save themselves all trouble in future.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of the Novel, 1925
People prefer simple, ready-made narratives that let them label others, avoiding personal effort to understand.
In simple terms: People like easy labels for others.
Key Takeaway
Question your assumptions about others.
Themes
conformity
labeling
comfort
avoidance
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
observational
analytical
When to use this quote
- team building
- leadership training
- media literacy
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
social psychology
identity
stereotyping
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you rely on quick labels?
- How does this affect empathy?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on shortcuts can lead to misjudgment.
