By subscribing to Inspiring Quotes you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
William Somerset Maugham was an English playwright, novelist, and short-story writer whose works were popular throughout the English-speaking world. While he gained initial fame for his numerous plays — many of which were hits on London’s West End — he is best known today for his 19 novels, including “Of Human Bondage,” “The Razor’s Edge,” and “The Painted Veil.” Perhaps his most quotable work, however, was his 1938 literary memoir “The Summing Up.” In it, Maugham touches upon numerous subjects, including his childhood experiences, his career, and his thoughts on travel and philosophy. Toward the end of the book, he also discusses what he sees as the two types of love. The first is “love pure and simple, sexual love,” which he argues is transient — it can dwindle and be lost, and is something we humans “have as often cursed as praised.” The second type is what he refers to as “loving-kindness,” which is more enduring, filled with “warm and vitalizing energy.” “Loving-kindness,” he concludes, “is the better part of goodness.” It is this latter type of love we should endeavor never to lose sight of.
15 Life-Changing Quotes From Marcus Aurelius’ ‘Meditations’
12 Quotes To Read If You Want To Be More Optimistic
12 of the Most Confusing Song Lyrics Ever Written
17 Quotes That Capture the Witty Romance of Nora Ephron’s Movies
12 Hilarious Mistranslated Signs
Advice From Our Favorite Children’s TV Characters
Get To Know the Inspiring Quotes Team With Our Favorite Quotes
Quotes About Why Foolishness Can Be a Virtue
Quotes To Help You Mourn and Move Forward From a Relationship
The Oldest Jokes in History
Wise and Insightful Quotes From People Born in December