Beautiful Quote by W. Somerset Maugham
“We find things beautiful because we recognize them and contrariwise we find things beautiful because their novelty surprises us.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Razor's Edge, 1944
Beauty arises from familiarity and surprise; we appreciate what we know and what astonishes us.
In simple terms: We find beauty in both the known and the new.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate curiosity and appreciate familiar comforts.
Themes
aesthetics
psychology
novelty
recognition
Mood
nostalgic
inspired
thoughtful
Type
observational
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- art appreciation
- travel experiences
- learning new skills
- design
- marketing
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
contrast effect
emotional response
Questions to Reflect On
- What familiar things bring you joy?
- When does novelty become overwhelming?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on novelty can devalue tradition.
![“Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. My three [great teachers] did not tell - they catalyzed a burning desire to know. Under their influence, the horizons sprung wide and fear went away and the unknown became knowable. But most important of…” quote by John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/84c/john-steinbeck-71_art_teaching-might-even-be-the-greatest-of-t_1738.jpg)
