Insensibly he formed the most delightful habit in the world, the habit of reading: he did not know that thus he was providing himself with a refuge from all the distress of life; he did not know either that he was creating for himself an unreal world which would make the real world of every day a source of bitter disappointment. ✨ W. Somerset Maugham (2016). Of Human Bondage (Diversion Classics), p.45, Diversion Books
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- The common idea that success spoils people by making them vain, egotistic and self-complacent is erroneous; on the contrary it makes them, for the most part, humble, tolerant and kind. ✨ Summing Up ( … ▶
- Each one of us is alone in the world. He is shut in a tower of brass, and can communicate with his fellows only by signs, and the signs have no common value, so that their sense is vague and uncertai … ▶
- Our wise old church...has discovered that if you will act as if you believed belief will be given to you; if you pray with doubt, but pray with sincerity, your doubt will be dispelled; if you will su … ▶
- The great critic … must be a philosopher, for from philosophy he will learn serenity, impartiality, and the transitoriness of human things. ✨ W. Somerset Maugham (1954). Mr. Maugham Himself
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