Posts tagged W. Somerset Maugham
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“Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a habit.”
― W. Somerset Maugham
“When I read a book I seem to read it with my eyes only, but now and then I come across a passage, perhaps only a phrase, which has a meaning for me, and it becomes part of me.”
—W. Somerset Maugham
“I have an idea that the only thing which makes it possible to regard this world we live in without disgust is the beauty which now and then men create out of the chaos. The pictures they paint, the music they compose, the books they write, and the lives they lead. Of all these the richest in beauty is the beautiful life. That is the perfect work of art.”
― W. Somerset Maugham, The Painted Veil
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. If change is of the essence of existence one would have thought it only sensible to make it the premise of our philosophy.
(Source: shadowsofwiltingtrees)
“Culture is not just an ornament; it is the expression of a nation’s character, and at the same time it is a powerful instrument to mould character. The end of culture is right living.”
— W. Somerset Maugham
“Life isn’t long enough for love and art.”
—W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence
“You can do anything in this world if you are prepared to take the consequences.”
—W. Somerset Maugham
“Of Human Bondage” is a 1934 American film directed by John Cromwell and is widely regarded by critics as the film that made Bette Davis a star. The movie also stars Leslie Howard. The screenplay by Lester Cohen is based on the 1915 novel of the same title by W. Somerset Maugham.
“The Letter” is a 1940 American film noir directed by William Wyler. The screenplay by Howard Koch is based on the 1927 play of the same name by W. Somerset Maugham, originally filmed in 1929.
Cast: Bette Davis, Herbert Marshall, James Stephenson, and Gale Sondergaard.
“Then this must be my answer: We know that the attributes of God are infinite and it has always seemed strange to me that men have never given Him credit for common sense. It is hard to believe that He would have created so beautiful a world if He had not decided men to enjoy it. Would He have given the stars their glory, the birds their sweet song, and the flowers, their fragrance if He had not wished us to delight in them? I shave sinned before men and men have condemned me. God made me a man with passions of a man, and did He give them to me only that I should suppress them? He gave me my adventurous spirit and my love of life. I have a humble hope that when I am face to face with my Maker He will condone my imperfections and I shall find mercy in His sight.”
― W. Somerset Maugham, Catalina: A Romance
