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
I don't think of the past. The only thing that matters is the everlasting present.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on the present rather than dwelling on the past.
This quote emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and not being burdened by past experiences. It suggests that the present is the only time that truly matters, as it is where life unfolds and opportunities exist, encouraging us to embrace the now instead of holding onto what has already happened.
Themes
PresentNowTimePastMindfulness
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about the importance of mindfulness in daily life.
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
The world is quickly bored by the recital of misfortune, and willing avoids the sight of distress.
W. Somerset MaughamRead
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
For the complete life, the perfect pattern includes old age as well as youth and maturity.
W. Somerset MaughamRead
Similar quotes
I personally chose to go vegan because I educated myself on factory farming and cruelty to animals, and I suddenly realized that what was on my plate were living things, with feelings. And I just couldn't disconnect myself from it any longer. I read books like 'Diet for a New America' and saw documentaries like 'Earthlings' and 'Meet your Meat,' and it became an easy choice for me.
Ellen DegeneresRead
Wealth should come like manna from heaven, unearned and uncalled for. Money should be like grace -- a gift. It is not worth sweating and scheming for.
Edward AbbeyRead
We must beware the revenge of the starved senses, the embittered animal in its prison.
J. B. PriestleyRead
Any religion is forever in danger of petrifaction into mere ritual and habit, though ritual and habit be essential to religion.
T. S. EliotRead
Those who speak much are blamed, those who speak little are blamed. In this world there are none who are not blamed. Try not to blame.
Gautama BuddhaRead
And when suddenly the god stopped her and, with anguish in his cry, uttered the words: βHe has turned roundβ β she comprehended nothing and said softly: βWho?
Rainer Maria RilkeRead