The common idea that success spoils people by making them vain, egotistic and self-complacent is erroneous; on the contrary it makes them, for the most part, humble, tolerant and kind.
W. Somerset MaughamRead
When I read a book I seem to read it with my eyes only, but now and then I come across a passage, perhaps only a phrase, which has a meaning for me, and it becomes part of me.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses the idea that some passages in books have a profound impact on us, influencing our thoughts and being.
W. Somerset Maugham highlights the difference between passive reading and meaningful engagement with texts. While we may often read without deep understanding, certain phrases resonate with us personally, becoming part of our identity and shaping our perspectives. This reflects the transformative power of literature in our lives.
Themes
ReadingBooksMeaningIdentityLiterature
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a book club discussion about the impact of specific texts.
More from W. Somerset Maugham
All quotes →Cronshaw stopped for a moment to drink. He had pondered for twenty years the problem whether he loved liquor because it made him talk or whether he loved conversation because it made him thirsty.
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Are you sure you can prevent yourself from falling in love one of these days? Such things do happen, you know, even to the most prudent men.' Simon gave him a strange, one might even have thought a hostile, look. I should tear it out of my heart as I'd wrench out of my mouth a rotten tooth.
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I don't think of the past. The only thing that matters is the everlasting present.
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The world is quickly bored by the recital of misfortune, and willing avoids the sight of distress.
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There in the mist, enormous, majestic, silent and terrible, stood the Great Wall of China. Solitarily, with the indifference of nature herself, it crept up the mountain side and slipped down to the depth of the valley.
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