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Arms Quote by W. Somerset Maugham

“When a man's in love, he at once makes a pedestal of the Ten Commandments and stands on the top of them with his arms akimbo. When a woman's in love she doesn't care two straws for Thou Shalt and Thou Shalt Not.” quote by W. Somerset Maugham
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“When a man's in love, he at once makes a pedestal of the Ten Commandments and stands on the top of them with his arms akimbo. When a woman's in love she doesn't care two straws for Thou Shalt and Thou Shalt Not.”

W. Somerset Maugham

About This Quote

Source Novel: Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham, 1915

Love distorts moral standards, elevating personal desire above universal rules.

In simple terms: Love blurs moral boundaries.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how love can bias judgment.

Themes

love morality gender hypocrisy

Mood

reflective ironic

Type

observational critical

When to use this quote

  • relationships
  • personal decisions
  • ethical dilemmas

Key Concepts

ethical relativism subjectivity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does love change your view of rules?
  • Can love be a force for moral growth?
A Different Perspective

Love may also inspire empathy and respect for others.

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