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
It is an illusion that youth is happy, an illusion of those who have lost it; but the young know they are wretched for they are full of the truthless ideals which have been instilled in them, and each time they come into contact with the real, they are bruised and wounded.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The youth often struggle with unrealistic ideals and suffer when confronting reality.
This quote by W. Somerset Maugham reflects on the misunderstood nature of youth and happiness. It suggests that the perception of youth being blissful is an illusion held by those who have outgrown it, while young individuals frequently encounter disillusionment as they grapple with unrealistic expectations and the often painful truths of life.
Themes
YouthHappinessIllusionRealitySufferingIdeals
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about the challenges young people face, this quote can highlight the gap between ideals and reality.
More from W. Somerset Maugham
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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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