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 know that you're selfish, selfish beyond words, and I know that you haven't the nerve of a rabbit, I know you're a liar and a humbug, I know that you're utterly contemptible. And the tragic part is'--her face was on a sudden distraught with pain--'the tragic part is that notwithstanding I love you with all my heart.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the complexity of love, highlighting how one can love someone despite recognizing their flaws.
In this poignant quote, the speaker confronts the paradox of love, acknowledging the deep flaws and negative traits of a loved one while still professing an unwavering affection for them. This duality captures the essence of love as it often involves accepting imperfections and contradictions, showcasing how love can coexist with disillusionment and disappointment. The emotional struggle depicted illustrates the depth of human relationships, where love can both uplift and cause profound pain.
Themes
LoveFlawsAcceptanceSacrificeEmotions
In practice
Example use cases
During a heartfelt conversation about relationships, one might use this quote to emphasize unconditional love.
More from W. Somerset Maugham
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W. Somerset MaughamRead
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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.
W. Somerset MaughamRead
Similar quotes
Romantic poses aside, let us recognize that "falling in love"...is an inferior state of mind, a form of transitory imbecility.
Jose Ortega Y GassetRead
The highest degree of love is Tatayyum (total enthrallment). The lowest degree is 'alaqah (attachment), when the heart is attached to the beloved: then comes sabahah (infatuation), when the heart is poured out: then gharam (passion), when love never leaves the heart: the nashaq (ardent love), and finally tatayyum.
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He had no memory of ever being hugged like this, as though by a mother. The full weight of everything he had seen that night seemed to fall in upon him as Mrs. Weasley held him to her. His mother's face, his father's voice, the sight of Cedric, dead on the ground all started spinning in his head until he could hardly bear it, until he was screwing up his face against the howl of misery fighting to get out of him.
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It is difficult to know at what moment love begins; it is less difficult to know that it has begun.
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Love contending with friendship, and self with each generous impulse._x000D_ _x000D_ To and fro in his breast his thoughts were heaving and dashing,_x000D_ _x000D_ As in a foundering ship.
Henry Wadsworth LongfellowRead
It was as if the empty nights were made for thinking of him. And sometimes I found myself so vividly aware of him it was as if he had only just left the room and the ring of his voice were still there. And somehow, there was a disturbing comfort in that, and, despite myself, I’d envision his face.
Anne RiceRead