W. Somerset Maugham quotes | Thousands Of Quotes

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You are not angry with people when you laugh at them. Humor teaches tolerance.

You know what the critics are. If you tell the truth they only say you're cynical and it does an author no good to get a reputation for cynicism.

It is not wealth one asks for, but just enough to preserve one's dignity, to work unhampered, to be generous, frank and independent.

My own belief is that there is hardly anyone whose sexual life, if it were broadcast, would not fill the world at large with surprise and horror.

We learn resignation not by our own suffering, but by the suffering of others.

W. Somerset Maugham

Resignation

Suffering

Perfection is a trifle dull. It is not the least of life's ironies that this, which we all aim at, is better not quite achieved.

The writer is more concerned to know than to judge.

W. Somerset Maugham

Writer

Old age has its pleasures, which, though different, are not less than the pleasures of youth.

Old age is ready to undertake tasks that youth shirked because they would take too long.

No egoism is so insufferable as that of the Christian with regard to his soul.

W. Somerset Maugham

Soul

Christian

Perfection has one grave defect: it is apt to be dull.

W. Somerset Maugham

Grave

Perfection

Sentimentality is the only sentiment that rubs you the wrong way.

She had a pretty gift for quotation, which is a serviceable substitute for wit.

The ability to quote is a serviceable substitute for wit.

W. Somerset Maugham

Ability

Wit

The artist produces for the liberation of his soul. It is his nature to create as it is the nature of water to run down the hill.