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
Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests, and see whether we also, in our day and generation, may not perform something worthy to be remembered.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote encourages us to utilize our resources and potential to achieve meaningful accomplishments.
W. Somerset Maugham's quote inspires individuals to take initiative in developing their environment and capabilities. It emphasizes the importance of actively working towards building institutions and promoting interests that contribute to society, with the hope that our efforts will lead to achievements that leave a lasting legacy.
Themes
ResourcesDevelopmentLegacyInitiativeSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about community service.
More from W. Somerset Maugham
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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.
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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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