William Somerset Maugham Quotes

In its struggle against the individual, society has three weapons: law, public opinion, and conscience.

The three fundamental duties of a woman are to be beautiful, to be well-dressed, and to not contradict.

Only a mediocre person is always at their best.

A philosopher is a person who climbs to a summit in search of the sun; finds fog, descends, and explains the magnificent spectacle that he has seen.

People ask for criticism, but in reality they only want compliments.

Reading does not give man wisdom; it gives him knowledge.

To pray to God with devotion, it is not necessary to believe in God according to the dogmas of any religion.

People don't look for reasons to do what they want to do, they look for excuses.

At times excess is stimulating. It prevents the deadly effect of a habit from being acquired through moderation.

Most people give up their vices only when they cause them discomfort.

The value of money is that with it we can tell anyone to go to hell. It's the sixth sense that allows you to enjoy the other five.

Platonic love is like a revolver that we handle without realizing that, as it is loaded, it can go off at any moment.