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
Tradition is a guide and not a jailer.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Tradition should serve as a helpful guide in life rather than constrain one's freedom.
This quote by W. Somerset Maugham emphasizes the idea that tradition can provide valuable insights and direction but should not be treated as a strict rule that limits personal freedom and growth. It suggests a balanced approach where one can appreciate and learn from traditions while still feeling free to innovate and make individual choices.
Themes
TraditionFreedomGrowthGuidanceIndividuality
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech at a cultural event to emphasize the value of heritage without losing individuality.
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.
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
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Thinking doesn't pay. Just makes you discontented with what you see around you.
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The environment is everything that isn't me.
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