Quote by W. Somerset Maugham

For if the proper study of mankind is man, it is evidently more sensible to occupy yourself with the coherent, substantial and significant creatures of fiction than with the irrational and shadowy figures of real life.

For if the proper study of mankind is man, it is evidently m

Summary

This quote suggests that studying human nature and behavior is better achieved through engaging with fictional characters rather than real-life individuals. The reasoning behind this is that fictional characters are carefully crafted and thus offer coherent, substantial, and significant insights into the human condition, whereas real-life individuals can be unpredictable and mysterious. By focusing on fictional characters, one can delve deeper into understanding universal truths about humanity in a more systematic and meaningful way.

Topics

Authors & Writing

By W. Somerset Maugham

Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.

Random Quotations

I'm tired of praise; and love is very sweet, when it is simp

I'm tired of praise; and love is very sweet, when it is simple and sincere like this.

Louisa May Alcott

Love Praise Louisa May Alcott Jo S Boys

If you can once engage people's pride, love, pity, ambition

If you can once engage people's pride, love, pity, ambition (or whatever is their prevailing passion) on your side, you need not fear what their reason can do against you.

Lord Chesterfield

Men expect that religion should cost them no pains, that hap

Men expect that religion should cost them no pains, that happiness should drop into their laps without any design and endeavor on their part, and that, after they have done what they please while they live, God should snatch them up to heaven when they die. But though the commandments of God be not grievous, yet it is fit to let men know that they are not thus easy.

To world enough and time.

To world enough and time.

Audrey Niffenegger

Time Love World Dream

Maybe some things aren't meant to be known. maybe there just

Maybe some things aren't meant to be known. maybe there just meant to be accepted.

My decision to end my marriage was such a risk to lose ratin

My decision to end my marriage was such a risk to lose ratings and lose my fan base. I had to take that risk for my inner peace and to be happy with myself.

After dark all cats are leopards.

After dark all cats are leopards.

American Indian Proverb, Zuni

Proverbial Wisdom

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.

Henry David Thoreau

A system of capitalism presumes sound money, not fiat money

A system of capitalism presumes sound money, not fiat money manipulated by a central bank. Capitalism cherishes voluntary contracts and interest rates that are determined by savings, not credit creation by a central bank.

I don't say 'Tis impossible for an impudent man not to rise

I don't say 'Tis impossible for an impudent man not to rise in the world, but a moderate merit with a large share of impudence is more probable to be advanced than the greatest qualifications without it.

Mary Wortley Montagu

Managers in all too many American companies do not achieve t

Managers in all too many American companies do not achieve the desired results because nobody makes them do it.

Harold S. Geneen

The Leader of the Opposition's constitutional obligation - t

The Leader of the Opposition's constitutional obligation - the obligation to Parliament - it's the reason we did the merger! - is to make sure Canadians have an alternative for government.