It seems that the creative faculty and the critical faculty cannot exist together in their highest perfection. – W. Somerset Maugham
There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are. – W. Somerset Maugham
If you don’t change your beliefs, your life will be like this forever. Is that good news? – W. Somerset Maugham
Old age has its pleasures, which, though different, are not less than the pleasures of youth. – W. Somerset Maugham
It’s no good trying to keep up old friendships. It’s painful for both sides. The fact is, one grows out of people, and the only thing is to face it. – W. Somerset Maugham
The world is quickly bored by the recital of misfortune, and willing avoids the sight of distress. – W. Somerset Maugham
At a dinner party one should eat wisely but not too well, and talk well but not too wisely. – W. Somerset Maugham
You can do anything in this world if you are prepared to take the consequences. – W. Somerset Maugham
I would sooner read a time-table or a catalogue than nothing at all. They are much more entertaining than half the novels that are written. – W. Somerset Maugham
Few misfortunes can befall a boy which bring worse consequence than to have a really affectionate mother. – W. Somerset Maugham
The great American novel has not only already been written, it has already been rejected. – W. Somerset Maugham
The most useful thing about a principle is that it can always be sacrificed to expediency. – W. Somerset Maugham