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
First, cut out all the wisdom, then cut out all the adjectives.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that true wisdom is found by stripping away unnecessary embellishments and getting to the core of truth.
W. Somerset Maugham's quote emphasizes the idea that clarity and depth of understanding come from removing superfluous details and focusing on core principles. In essence, wisdom is not about complexity but simplicity, where the essential truths shine through in their purest form, free from distractions and embellishments. This approach encourages a methodical and discerning mindset that values substance over style.
In practice
In a personal development seminar discussing the importance of clear communication.
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.
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.
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.
I don't think of the past. The only thing that matters is the everlasting present.
The world is quickly bored by the recital of misfortune, and willing avoids the sight of distress.
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.
Do not be jealous of others' good qualities, but out of admiration adopt them yourself.
If self-knowledge is the road to virtue, so is virtue still more the road to self-knowledge.
I want God to play in my bloodstream the way sunlight amuses itself on the water.
Do not answer the person whose questions are vile. Do not question a person whose answers are vile.
He who does not arrive at the Intuition of these Truths by means of Ecstasy knows only the name of Inspiration.
Please, a definition: A hibernation is a covert preparation for a more overt action.
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