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
Self-control might be as passionate and as active as the surrender to passion.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Self-control can be as intense and dynamic as giving in to one's passions.
This quote highlights the idea that self-control is not a passive or weak state; rather, it requires passion and active effort. Just as surrendering to passion can be an overwhelming experience, exercising control over one's impulses can be equally vigorous and full of emotion, indicating that both extremes hold significant value in the human experience.
Themes
Self-ControlPassionWisdomDisciplineEmotions
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a motivational seminar about personal development.
More from W. Somerset Maugham
All quotes βCronshaw 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.
W. Somerset MaughamRead
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.
W. Somerset MaughamRead
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.
W. Somerset MaughamRead
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