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
Old age has its pleasures, which, though different, are not less than the pleasures of youth.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Old age brings its own joys that are distinct yet equally valuable as those of youth.
This quote emphasizes the notion that while the experiences and pleasures of old age differ from those of youth, they are still meaningful and valuable. It suggests that every stage of life has its unique joys, encouraging an appreciation for the wisdom and contentment that can be found in later years, rather than solely yearning for the vigor of youth.
Themes
AgePleasureWisdomYouthExperience
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about aging gracefully, one might quote this to illustrate the positive aspects of growing older.
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.
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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.
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
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