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
I do not confer praise or blame: I accept. I am the measure of all things. I am the center of the world.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes self-acceptance and self-reliance, suggesting that one's perception of self is paramount.
W. Somerset Maugham's quote reflects a profound philosophical stance on the nature of existence and self-perception. By stating he does not confer praise or blame, he highlights the importance of accepting life's circumstances without being swayed by external validation. The assertion that he is 'the measure of all things' suggests that individual perspective and experience shape reality. This stance invites introspection and encourages people to find their own center and meaning in life instead of seeking it from others.
Themes
Self-AcceptancePerceptionPhilosophyIndividualityReality
In practice
Example use cases
In a personal development seminar where self-growth is discussed.
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.
W. Somerset MaughamRead
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.
W. Somerset MaughamRead
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