Meaning: This quote by W. Somerset Maugham challenges the commonly held notion that success has a negative impact on individuals, leading them to become vain, egotistic, and self-complacent. Maugham suggests that, in reality, success tends to make people more humble, tolerant, and kind. This perspective offers an alternative understanding of the effects of success on individuals, implying that achieving success can actually foster positive qualities within people rather than negative ones.

Maugham's assertion can be examined from various angles, taking into account the psychological, sociological, and philosophical aspects of success. From a psychological standpoint, it is possible that achieving success can indeed lead to increased humility, tolerance, and kindness in individuals. Success can provide a sense of fulfillment and confidence, which may in turn reduce the need for individuals to prove themselves or seek validation through egotism and self-complacency. Instead, they may become more secure in themselves and more empathetic towards others, leading to increased humility and kindness.

Furthermore, the experience of success can also expose individuals to different perspectives and challenges, fostering a greater sense of tolerance and understanding. As individuals encounter new opportunities and interact with diverse people and situations, they may develop a more open-minded and empathetic approach, thereby cultivating tolerance and kindness in their interactions with others.

From a sociological perspective, the impact of success on individuals can be influenced by cultural and societal norms. In some cultures, success may be associated with humility and kindness, and individuals who achieve success may feel a sense of responsibility to give back to their communities or to use their influence for the greater good. This societal expectation can contribute to the development of positive qualities in successful individuals, as they strive to embody the values of their culture and make a positive impact on the world around them.

On a philosophical level, Maugham's quote prompts reflection on the nature of success and its relationship to personal growth and moral development. It suggests that success, rather than corrupting individuals, has the potential to enhance their character and cultivate virtues such as humility, tolerance, and kindness. This perspective aligns with philosophical notions of self-actualization and the pursuit of virtuous living, emphasizing the transformative power of success in shaping individuals into better versions of themselves.

In conclusion, W. Somerset Maugham's quote challenges the conventional wisdom about the impact of success on individuals, proposing that it can lead to increased humility, tolerance, and kindness. This perspective invites us to consider the multifaceted effects of success on individuals, encompassing psychological, sociological, and philosophical dimensions. By exploring the potential positive impact of success on personal character and behavior, Maugham's quote encourages a reevaluation of our assumptions about the relationship between success and human nature, offering a thought-provoking perspective on the transformative power of achievement.