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
For men, as a rule, love is but an episode which takes place among the other affairs of the day, and the emphasis laid on it in novels gives it an importance which is untrue to life. There are few men to whom it is the most important thing in the world, and they are not the very interesting ones; even women, with whom the subject is of paramount interest, have a contempt for them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Maugham suggests that love is often overemphasized in literature and is not as central in men's lives as commonly portrayed.
In this quote, W. Somerset Maugham critically examines the cultural portrayal of love, particularly in novels, arguing that for most men, love is merely a temporary distraction amidst their daily responsibilities. He proposes that while love may be significant for women, the stereotype of it being a man's foremost concern is misleading and often trivializes the complex nature of human relationships.
Themes
LoveRelationshipsMenLiteratureImportance
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the nature of relationships, this quote can highlight the contrast between literary depictions of love and real-life priorities.
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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