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
Imagination grows by exercise, and contrary to common belief, is more powerful in the mature than in the young.
Interpretation
Imagination develops and becomes stronger with practice, especially in adults.
This quote emphasizes the idea that imagination is not just a trait of youth but can continue to grow and flourish with experience and effort. It suggests that adults can harness and cultivate their creative capacities, potentially surpassing the imaginative abilities of younger individuals.
In practice
In a motivational speech about creativity in the workplace.
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.
In pain there is as much wisdom as in pleasure: like the latter it is one of the best self preservatives of a species.
There is more beauty in truth, even if it is a dreadful beauty. The storytellers at the city gate twist life so that it looks sweet to the lazy and the stupid and the weak, and this only strengthens their infirmities and teaches nothing, cures nothing, nor does it let the heart soar.
I couldn't care less what anybody says about me. I live my life, especially my personal life, strictly for myself... Whatever you do, you're going to be criticized. I feel the one sensible thing you can do is try to live in a way that pleases you.
Tactics is knowing what to do when there is something to do. Strategy is knowing what to do when there is nothing to do.
I do know that when I am 60, I should be attempting to achieve different personal goals than those which had priority at age 20.
If you don't know, the thing to do is not to get scared, but to learn.
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