Why should you think that beauty, which is the most precious thing in the world, lies like a stone on the beach for the careless passer-by to pick up idly? Beauty is something wonderful and strange that the artist fashions out of the chaos of the world in the torment of his soul. And when he has made it, it is not given to all to know it. To recognize it you must repeat the adventure of the artist. It is a melody that he sings to you, and to hear it again in your own heart you want knowledge and sensitiveness and imagination.
-The Moon and Sixpence
W. Somerset Maugham
6 comments:
Those are the words from a genius. S Maugham is my favorite author, by the way :)
Yes I guess it's true ...
Hi Gauri,
Did I tell you all in class that Somerset Maugham with John Steinbeck is the great master of writing with nouns and verbs, getting rid of every adjective and adverb that he could omit.
Thank you for putting out this extract from The Moon and Sixpence. His masterpiece is "Of Human Bondage". His short stories are a delightful travel companion.
Warm regards,
- Joe.
Darshan, IHM-- yes! read all tht u can from him. he's a master..
Sir-- You have pointed out such a singular thing, I didn't get it at first. You are so right! his descriptions are either barren of adjectives, or with adjectives that are totally fresh and real. no cliches... another person I admire for his writing is Gerald Durrel. He can describe colours, smells and scenes in a fashion I have yet not seen anyone else manage..
The most awesome author ever, and I can so in spite of only having read "Of Human Bondage" and "The Painted Veil" - the story of his life is an inspiration for every budding writer.
say^
Post a Comment