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.
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.