Hypocrisy is the most difficult and nerve-racking vice that any man can pursue; it needs an unceasing vigilance and a rare detachment of spirit. It cannot, like adultery or gluttony, be practiced at spare moments; it is a whole-time job.

Summary

This quote by W. Somerset Maugham emphasizes the inherent challenges and demands of hypocrisy. Unlike other vices such as adultery or gluttony that can be engaged in intermittently, hypocrisy requires constant vigilance and detachment. It is a full-time commitment that necessitates a tremendous amount of effort and mental energy. By highlighting the intensity of hypocrisy, Maugham suggests that its practice is ultimately exhausting and emotionally draining.

Topics