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 MaughamIn the conduct of life we make use of deliberation to justify ourselves in doing what we want to do.
W. Somerset MaughamYou cannot write well or much (and I venture the opinion that you cannot write well unless you write much) unless you form a habit.
W. Somerset MaughamWhat does democracy come down to? The persuasive power of slogans invented by wily self-seeking politicians.
W. Somerset MaughamOne cannot find peace in work or in pleasure, in the world or in a convent, but only in one's soul.
W. Somerset Maugham