“Beauty is an ecstasy; it is as simple as hunger. There is really nothing to be said about it. It is like the perfume of a rose: you can smell it and that is all.”

English novelist and playwright of the early-to-mid 20th century, Maugham was celebrated for his sharp, witty observations on human nature and society. His works—including *Of Human Bondage* and *The Razor’s Edge*—blend psychological insight with accessible storytelling, revealing both the complexities and contradictions of human behavior.