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 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
Similar quotes
Meditation cannot be purchased and no one can give it to you. You have to achieve it. It is not something outer, it is something inner, a growth, and that growth comes through awareness.
RajneeshRead
On the day of your birth, the Creator filled countless storehouses, set aside for your use and yours alone.
Maya AngelouRead
Where the eye is focused, there the imagination finds its raw material. The right focus must be won at immense cost and discipline. Train the eye to see the good, and the imagination will follow suit.
Ravi ZachariasRead
All practice or worship is only for taking off this veil. When that will go, you will find that the Sun of Absolute Knowledge is shining in Its own lustre.
Swami VivekanandaRead
Everybody is unique. Compare not yourself with anybody else lest you spoil God's curriculum.
Baal Shem TovRead
Some people get into this business and they're so afraid to lose anything. They try to protect their position like clinging to a beachhead. These actors end up making really safe choices. I never wanted to go that route. If I go down, I'm going down swinging.
Matt DamonRead