W. Somerset Maugham
W. Somerset Maugham
William Somerset Maugham CHwas a British playwright, novelist and short story writer. He was among the most popular writers of his era and reputedly the highest paid author during the 1930s...
NationalityBritish
ProfessionPlaywright
Date of Birth25 January 1874
change razors lasts
Nothing in the world is permanent, and we’re foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we’re still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it.
education book reading
The only important thing in a book is the meaning that it has for you.
mind commonplace
No affectation of peculiarity can conceal a commonplace mind.
powerful writing creativity
Imagination grows by exercise, and contrary to common belief, is more powerful in the mature than in the young.
inspirational funny life
It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.
art moving thinking
But I am not sure it would contain any short stories. For the short story is a minor art, and it must content itself with moving, exciting and amusing the reader. ...I do not think that there is any (short story) that will give the reader that thrill, that rapture, that fruitful energy which great art can produce.
love life change
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.
grief heart caring
One does not really feel much grief at other people's sorrows; one tries, and puts on a melancholy face, thinking oneself brutal for not caring more; but one cannot and it is better, for if one grieved too deeply at other people's tears, life would be unendurable; and every man has sufficient sorrows of his own without taking to heart his neighbour's.