William Somerset Maugham Quotes

Sentimentality is only sentiment that rubs you up the wrong way

When people say they do not care what others think of them, for the most part they deceive themselves. Generally they mean only that they will do as they choose, in the confidence that no one will know their vagaries; and at the utmost only that they are willing to act contrary to the opinion of the majorities because they are supported by the approval of their neighbors. It's not difficult to be unconventional in the eyes of the world when your unconventionality is but the convention of your set.

Every production of an artist should be the expression of an adventure of his soul.

Few misfortunes can befall a boy which bring worse consequences than to have a really affectionate mother

The ability to quote is a serviceable substitute for wit.

It is well to remember that grammar is common speech formulated

Tradition is a guide and not a jailer

I can imagine no more comfortable frame of mind for the conduct of life than a humorous resignation