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.
The writer of prose can only step aside when the poet passes...
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the distinction between prose and poetry, highlighting poetry's elevated status in the realm of literature.
W. Somerset Maugham's quote captures the idea that prose, while a valuable form of writing, stands in the shadow of poetry, which is often regarded as a higher, more artistic expression of language. The writer of prose may recognize and appreciate the poet's unique ability to encapsulate emotions and experiences in a way that transcends the confines of ordinary speech, thus indicating the reverence held for poetic artistry.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a literary discussion on the beauty of poetic language, this quote could be referenced to illustrate the hierarchy in writing forms.
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.
I don't think of the past. The only thing that matters is the everlasting present.
The world is quickly bored by the recital of misfortune, and willing avoids the sight of distress.
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Similar quotes
Abstract art was the quivalent of poetic expression; I didnβt need to use words,but colors and lines. I didnβt need to belong to a language-oriented culture but to an open form of expression.
One must withdraw for a time from life in order to set down that picture.
A poet is the creator of the nation around him, he gives them a world to see and has their souls in his hand to lead them to that world.
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If you just love movies enough, you can make a good one.
He was very much a man of moods, possibly owing to what is styled the artistic temperment. I have never seen, myself, why the possession of artistic ability should be supposed to excuse a man from a decent exercise of self-control.