"It is not true that suffering ennobles the character; happiness does that sometimes, but suffering, for the most part, makes men petty and vindictive."
"American women expect to find in their husbands a perfection that English women only hope to find in their butlers."
"Often the best way to overcome a desire is to satisfy it."
"There are three rules for writing the novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are."
-- W. Somerset Maugham
"It is not true that suffering ennobles the character; happiness does that sometimes, but suffering, for the most part, makes men petty and vindictive."
ReplyDeleteSpot-on quote. CHALLENGES ennoble character, but not suffering. I've never understood the assumption that suffering makes us better people, when all too often it cripples us. Look at how trauma causes PTSD, depression, etc., instead of strengthening its victims. Look at how tragedy leaves emotional wounds. I've found that empathy from others, safe environments, and good life lessons ennoble character far more than suffering.
Huzzah! Four cheers!
ReplyDeleteLove Maugham. My dad encouraged me to read his work. I don't remember if I ever thanked him.
ReplyDeleteI love the quote about desire. The man was wise.
ReplyDelete