Desire Quote by W. Somerset Maugham
“What I'm trying to tell you is that there are men who are possessed by an urge so strong to do some particular thing that they can't help themselves, they've got to do it. They're prepared to sacrifice everything to satisfy their yearning.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Of Human Bondage, 1915
A man driven by an overpowering obsession will sacrifice everything to fulfill it, often losing control.
In simple terms: Obsessive drive leads to total sacrifice.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and temper obsessive urges.
Themes
obsession
self‑destruction
drive
Mood
intense
conflicted
Type
philosophical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- career ambition
- artistic creation
- political activism
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
psychology
willpower
addiction
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives your deepest urges?
- Can you channel passion without self‑harm?
A Different Perspective
Such single‑minded pursuit can blind one to consequences and harm others.
![“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)
