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Perfection has one grave defect: it is apt to be dull.
W. Somerset Maugham
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Perfection can lead to monotony and lack of excitement.

W. Somerset Maugham's quote suggests that striving for perfection may result in a loss of vitality and spontaneity. When something is perfect, it can become unengaging or dull, as it lacks the imperfections and variations that often bring character and interest to life.

Themes

PerfectionDullnessMonotonyImperfectionVitality

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about creativity, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of embracing flaws.

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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.
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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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