“It is not true that suffering ennobles the character; happiness does that sometimes, but suffering for the most part, makes men petty and vindictive.”

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.