People Forgive Quote by W. Somerset Maugham
““You're behaving generously, old boy, and, you know, one needs a devil of a lot of tact to get people to forgive one one's generosity. Fortunately women are frivolous and they very quickly forget the benefits conferred upon them. Otherwise, of course, there'd be no living with them. [The back of beyond]””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Of Human Bondage, 1915
People must balance generosity with tact, especially with those who forget favors quickly, otherwise relationships become unsustainable.
In simple terms: Generosity needs tact to be appreciated.
Key Takeaway
Use tact when giving.
Themes
relationships
generosity
tact
human nature
Mood
reflective
ironic
cautious
Type
literary
observational
When to use this quote
- friendship
- romantic partnership
- workplace mentorship
- family interactions
Key Concepts
social dynamics
reciprocity
memory
gender expectations
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you show generosity without expecting gratitude?
- What role does memory play in sustaining relationships?
A Different Perspective
Tact alone may not prevent resentment if underlying motives are unclear.
