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
The most useful thing about a principle is that it can always be sacrificed to expediency.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Principles can often be set aside for practical reasons or immediate results.
This quote by W. Somerset Maugham highlights the tension between adhering to principles and adapting to practical circumstances. It suggests that while principles are valuable, they may not always be practical in the face of expedient choices that serve immediate needs or goals, prompting reflection on the balance between integrity and practicality in decision-making.
Themes
PrincipleExpediencySacrificeDecision-MakingPracticality
In practice
Example use cases
In a business meeting discussing ethics versus profit, this quote can illustrate the challenges faced in decision-making.
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