---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Oh, my dear boy, one mustn't expect…"
description: "\"“Oh, my dear boy, one mustn't expect gratitude. It's a thing that no one has a right to. After all, you do good because it gives you pleasure. It's the..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f24/w-somerset-maugham-237_gratitude_oh-my-dear-boy-one-mustn-t-expect-gratit_1931057.jpg"
---

#  Oh, my dear boy, one mustn't expect gratitude. It's a…

![“Oh, my dear boy, one mustn't expect gratitude. It's a thing that no one has a right to. After all, you do good because it gives you pleasure. It's the purest form of happiness there is. To expect thanks for it is really asking too much. If you get it, well, it's like a bonus on shares on which…” quote by W. Somerset Maugham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f24/w-somerset-maugham-237_gratitude_oh-my-dear-boy-one-mustn-t-expect-gratit_1931057.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f24/w-somerset-maugham-237_gratitude_oh-my-dear-boy-one-mustn-t-expect-gratit_1931057.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f24/w-somerset-maugham-237_gratitude_oh-my-dear-boy-one-mustn-t-expect-gratit_1931057.jpg)

> ““Oh, my dear boy, one mustn't expect gratitude. It's a thing that no one has a right to. After all, you do good because it gives you pleasure. It's the purest form of happiness there is. To expect thanks for it is really asking too much. If you get it, well, it's like a bonus on shares on which you've already received a dividend; it's grand, but you mustn't look upon it as your due. \[The back of beyond\]””

[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.

The passage argues that altruistic actions should be done without expecting gratitude, as true happiness comes from the act itself, not from rewards.

**In simple terms:** Do good for its own joy, not for thanks.

Key Takeaway

Act without expecting thanks.

Themes

altruism gratitude expectations happiness ethics

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

ethical motivational

When to use this quote

- volunteering
- teamwork
- family support
- community service

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology human behavior

Questions to Reflect On

- Why do we expect gratitude?
- How can we enjoy giving without needing acknowledgment?

A Different Perspective

People may still feel entitled to recognition, creating tension.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Gratitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gratitude/) [Happiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happiness/)

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