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
We are not the same persons this year as last; nor are those we love. It is a happy chance if we, changing, continue to love a changed person.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People change over time, and it is a fortunate occurrence when love persists despite those changes.
This quote emphasizes the inevitability of change within ourselves and the people we care about. It highlights the beauty and complexity of relationships, suggesting that love is tested and can thrive even when individuals evolve in ways that alter their identities and perspectives.
Themes
ChangeLoveRelationshipsGrowthAcceptance
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about the nature of love and relationships at a wedding.
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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