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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the awe-inspiring presence of the Great Wall of China, emphasizing its grandeur and the indifferent passage of time in nature.
W. Somerset Maugham's quote vividly captures the imposing and serene magnificence of the Great Wall of China as it integrates into the natural landscape. The description suggests that, like nature, the Great Wall stands timeless, enduring through the mists of time and weathering the elements, signifying both human achievement and the ruthless indifference of nature's forces.
Themes
Great WallChinaNatureMajestyTimelessness
In practice
Example use cases
In a presentation about ancient architecture, this quote can highlight the Great Wall's majestic presence.
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.
W. Somerset MaughamRead
The world is quickly bored by the recital of misfortune, and willing avoids the sight of distress.
W. Somerset MaughamRead
For the complete life, the perfect pattern includes old age as well as youth and maturity.
W. Somerset MaughamRead
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