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 forget who it was that recommended men for their soul's good to do each day two things they disliked: it was a wise man, and it is a precept that I have followed scrupulously; for every day I have got up and I have gone to bed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that we should face discomfort daily for personal growth.
In this quote, W. Somerset Maugham reflects on the advice of a wise man who encouraged individuals to engage in actions they find burdensome or unpleasant for the betterment of their souls. Maugham admits to following this precept diligently, implying that overcoming daily challenges, even minor ones, contributes to a richer and more fulfilling life. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of discipline and the potential for personal development through embracing discomfort.
Themes
GrowthDiscomfortDisciplineWisdomDaily Challenges
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal development, one might reference this quote to inspire others to confront their fears.
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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