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
To write simply is as difficult as to be good.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Writing simply is a challenging task that requires skill and practice.
This quote by W. Somerset Maugham highlights the idea that simplicity in writing is not an easy achievement; it demands a high level of artistry and talent. Crafting clear and straightforward prose is often more challenging than it appears, akin to the struggle of becoming truly good at any craft. The quote suggests that achieving clarity and elegance in writing is a mark of true expertise.
Themes
WritingSimplicityDifficultySkillArtistry
In practice
Example use cases
A writer discussing the challenges of their profession at a literary event.
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.
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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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