--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: He had talked of getting occupation of…" description: "\"“He had talked of getting occupation of this sort so long that he had not the face to refuse outright, but the thought of doing anything filled him wit..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2f/w-somerset-maugham-237_career_he-had-talked-of-getting-occupation-of-t_716829.jpg" --- # He had talked of getting occupation of this sort so long… ![“He had talked of getting occupation of this sort so long that he had not the face to refuse outright, but the thought of doing anything filled him with panic. At last he declined the opportunity and breathed freely. 'It would have interfered with my work,' he told Philip. 'What work?' asked Philip…” quote by W. Somerset Maugham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2f/w-somerset-maugham-237_career_he-had-talked-of-getting-occupation-of-t_716829.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2f/w-somerset-maugham-237_career_he-had-talked-of-getting-occupation-of-t_716829.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2f/w-somerset-maugham-237_career_he-had-talked-of-getting-occupation-of-t_716829.jpg) > ““He had talked of getting occupation of this sort so long that he had not the face to refuse outright, but the thought of doing anything filled him with panic. At last he declined the opportunity and breathed freely. 'It would have interfered with my work,' he told Philip. 'What work?' asked Philip brutally. 'My inner life,' he answered. ”” [W. Somerset Maugham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/w-somerset-maugham/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He feels panic when offered a role that conflicts with his inner values, so he refuses to protect his personal integrity. **In simple terms:** Refusing a job that harms his inner self eases his anxiety. Key Takeaway Protect your inner life over external expectations. Themes integrity anxiety self‑care Mood reflective anxious thoughtful Type advice philosophical literary When to use this quote - career decision - creative work - personal boundaries - mental health - ethical dilemmas Key Concepts existential conflict personal values Questions to Reflect On - What inner values are you sacrificing for external demands? - How can you recognize when a role threatens your inner life? A Different Perspective His fear may also stem from insecurity, not just moral conflict. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Asked Philip](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/asked-philip-5641432/) [Career](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/career/) [Declined Opportunity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/declined-opportunity-5641433/) [Inner life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inner-life/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Panic Declined](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/panic-declined-5641434/) [Philip Brutally](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philip-brutally-5641435/) [Told Philip](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/told-philip-5403572/) ## Related quotes > [“Insensibly he formed the most delightful habit in the world, the habit of reading: When you are reconciled to the fact that each is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/w-somerset-maugham/insensibly-he-formed-the-most-delightful-habit-in-the-world-the-habit/) [W. 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