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 don't think of the past. The only thing that matters is the everlasting present.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on the present rather than dwelling on the past.
This quote emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and not being burdened by past experiences. It suggests that the present is the only time that truly matters, as it is where life unfolds and opportunities exist, encouraging us to embrace the now instead of holding onto what has already happened.
Themes
PresentNowTimePastMindfulness
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about the importance of mindfulness in daily life.
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.
W. Somerset MaughamRead
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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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
For the complete life, the perfect pattern includes old age as well as youth and maturity.
W. Somerset MaughamRead
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