Most people are such fools that it is really no great compliment to say that someone is above the average.
W. Somerset MaughamNothing more predisposes someone in our favour than to let him rob you a little.
W. Somerset MaughamNow the answer ... is plain, but it is so unpalatable that most men will not face it. There is no reason for life and life has no meaning.
W. Somerset MaughamArt is a manifestation of emotion, and emotion speaks a language that all may understand.
W. Somerset MaughamThrough the history of the world there have always been exploiters and exploited. There always will be ... because the great mass of men are made by nature to be slaves, they are unfit to control themselves, and for their own good need masters.
W. Somerset MaughamExcess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a habit. It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it. Like all weak men he laid an exaggerated stress on not changing one's mind.
W. Somerset Maugham