793 Quotes by W. Somerset Maugham

He is not famous. It may be that he never will be. It may be that when his life at last comes to an end he will leave no more trace of his sojourn on earth than a stone thrown into a river leaves on the surface of the water. But it may be that the way of life that he has chosen for himself and the peculiar strength and sweetness of his character may have an ever-growing influence over his fellow men so that, long after his death perhaps, it may be realized that there lived in this age a very remarkable creature.

The audience is not the least important actor in the play and if it will not do its allotted share the play falls to pieces.

The tragedy of love is indifference.

Sentimentality is the only sentiment that rubs you the wrong way.

The novel may stimulate you to think. It may satisfy your aesthetic sense. It may arouse your moral emotions. But if it does not entertain you it is a bad novel.

Affection is created by habit, community of interests, convenience and the desire of companionship. It is a comfort rather than an exhilaration.

Life isn't long enough for love and art.

I cannot believe in a God who has neither humor nor common sense.

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.