Quote of the day by W. Somerset Maugham : Many people spend their lives balancing ambition with practicality. While it can be tempting to lower expectations after setbacks or disappointments, some of the most meaningful achievements come from refusing to accept less than what we truly want. Whether in careers, relationships, education, or personal goals, high standards often inspire people to keep striving when others might give up. Today's quote from W. Somerset Maugham offers a lesson about self-worth, persistence, and the surprising rewards that can come from expecting the best.
Quote of the Day Today: W. Somerset Maugham on High Standards
W. Somerset Maugham said, " It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it, " as per BrainyQuote.
Meaning of W. Somerset Maugham's Quote
Maugham's quote suggests that the standards people set for themselves can shape the outcomes they achieve.
When individuals refuse to settle for mediocrity, they are often more willing to work harder, wait longer, and make difficult choices in pursuit of their goals. High expectations do not guarantee success, but they can influence the actions, habits, and decisions that increase the likelihood of achieving it.
The quote also reflects the importance of self-belief. People who believe they deserve quality, respect, and meaningful opportunities are often less likely to accept situations that fall short of their values or potential.
Rather than encouraging perfectionism, Maugham's words emphasize determination. They remind us that expecting more from life can motivate us to pursue better opportunities and continue striving even when success is not immediate.
Life Lessons From W. Somerset Maugham's Quote
High standards can inspire greater achievement.
Self-belief often influences success.
Persistence matters when pursuing important goals.
Settling too soon can limit opportunities.
Excellence often begins with refusing to accept less.
Who Was W. Somerset Maugham
W. Somerset Maugham (January 25, 1874 - December 1965) was an English novelist, playwright, and short-story writer known for his clear writing style, cosmopolitan settings, and sharp understanding of human nature.
Born in Paris at the British Embassy, Maugham was the son of Robert Ormond Maugham, a lawyer, and Edith Mary Maugham. After losing both parents at a young age, he was raised by an uncle and educated at King’s School in Canterbury, as per Britannica report. He later studied at the University of Heidelberg in Germany before attending St. Thomas’s Hospital Medical School in London, where he qualified as a doctor in 1897.
Drawing on his medical experiences, he wrote his first novel, Liza of Lambeth (1897). Its success encouraged him to leave medicine and pursue writing full-time. After traveling through Spain and Italy, he achieved major success in 1908 when four of his plays were running in London at the same time.
During World War I, Maugham worked as a secret agent. After the war, he continued traveling and later purchased a villa on Cape Ferrat in southern France, which became his permanent home.
His reputation as a novelist is largely built on four major works: Of Human Bondage (1915), a semi-autobiographical story of a young medical student; The Moon and Sixpence (1919), inspired by the life of artist Paul Gauguin; Cakes and Ale (1930), about a famous novelist; and The Razor’s Edge (1944), which follows a young American veteran searching for purpose in life, as per the Britannica report.
Maugham was also highly regarded for his short stories, many of which were adapted for film and television. In works such as The Summing Up (1938) and A Writer’s Notebook (1949), he reflected on his views of life, expressing skepticism about human nature and society.
He died in Nice, France, in December 1965 after suffering a stroke several days earlier.
Famous Quotes by W. Somerset Maugham
- "We are not the same persons this year as last; nor are those we love. It is a happy chance if we, changing, continue to love a changed person," as per BrainyQuote.
- "An unfortunate thing about this world is that the good habits are much easier to give up than the bad ones," as per BrainyQuote.
- "Money is the string with which a sardonic destiny directs the motions of its puppets," as per BrainyQuote.
- "Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a habit," as per BrainyQuote.
