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
You know, when one's in love,' I said, 'and things go all wrong, one's terribly unhappy and one thinks one won't ever get over it. But you'll be astounded to learn what the sea will do.' What do you mean?' she smiled. Well, love isn't a good sailor and it languishes on a sea voyage. You'll be surprised when you have the Atlantic between you and Larry to find how slight the pang is that before you sailed seemed intolerable.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Love can bring deep unhappiness, but time and distance help in healing those emotional wounds.
This quote from W. Somerset Maugham articulates the idea that love can lead to profound sorrow when relationships face turmoil. However, with time and distance, the pain often diminishes, revealing that the struggles felt intensely will eventually fade, much like the waves of the sea smoothing out over time. It underscores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of heartache, suggesting a gradual healing process that comes from separation and reflection.
Themes
LoveHeartacheHealingTimeDistance
In practice
Example use cases
During a breakup, one might share this quote with a friend to convey the idea that healing takes time.
More from W. Somerset Maugham
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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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