“We must go through life so inconspicuously that Fate does not notice us.”

— W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence, 1919, ch. 38

About W. Somerset Maugham

1874 – 1965

English playwright and novelist, author of "Of Human Bondage".

“The complete life, the perfect pattern, includes old age as well as youth and maturity.”

“Old age has its pleasures, which though different, are not less than the pleasures of youth.”

“You know, there are two good things in life, freedom of thought and freedom of action.”

“The wise man will live as long as he ought, not as long as he can.”

“In theory there is nothing to hinder our following what we are taught; but in life there are many things to draw us aside.”

“The better part of valour is discretion; in the which better part I have saved my life.”

“So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, so long lives this, and this gives life to thee.”

“We are such stuff as dreams are made on; and our little life is rounded with a sleep.”

“Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage.”