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
You know, of course, that the Tasmanians, who never committed adultery, are now extinct.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the consequences of strict moral standards leading to extinction.
W. Somerset Maugham's quote underscores the paradox of morality and human existence, suggesting that rigid adherence to moral principles, such as the prohibition of adultery, may lead to an inability to adapt and thrive, ultimately resulting in extinction. It implies that life's complexities and the need for human connection can outweigh strict moral codes, hinting at the balance between ethics and survival.
Themes
MoralityExtinctionHuman NatureAdulteryParadox
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on ethics, you might use this quote to illustrate the pitfalls of strict moralism.
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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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