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
Follow your inclinations with due regard to the policeman round the corner.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote advocates for pursuing one's desires while being mindful of potential consequences or societal rules.
W. Somerset Maugham's quote suggests that individuals should embrace their natural inclinations and desires but also exercise caution and awareness of the boundaries and laws that govern societal behavior. It highlights the balance between personal freedom and the need to respect authority and societal norms. By acknowledging the 'policeman round the corner', one is reminded to consider the implications of their actions and the importance of responsible decision-making.
Themes
InclinationsPolicemanBalanceFreedomSociety
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about self-discovery, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of pursuing individual passions responsibly.
More from W. Somerset Maugham
All quotes →Cronshaw 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.
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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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