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Conscience is the guardian in the individual of the rules which the community has evolved for its own preservation.

—  William Somerset Maugham

Excess on occasion is exhilarating. It prevents moderation from acquiring the deadening effect of a habit.

—  William Somerset Maugham

Like all weak men he laid an exaggerated stress on not changing one's mind.

—  William Somerset Maugham

The ability to quote is a serviceable substitute for wit.

—  William Somerset Maugham

Love is only the dirty trick played on us to achieve continuation of the species.

—  William Somerset Maugham

I forget who it was that recommended men for their soul's good to do each day two things they disliked ... It is a precept I have followed scrupulously: for every day I have got up and I have gone to bed.

—  William Somerset Maugham

There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.

—  William Somerset Maugham

You know, of course, that the Tasmanians, who never committed adultery, are now extinct.

—  William Somerset Maugham

To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life.

—  William Somerset Maugham

I would sooner read a timetable or a catalog than nothing at all. They are much more entertaining than half the novels that are written.

—  William Somerset Maugham