“ When a man falls into the water it doesn't matter how he swims, well or badly: he's got to get out or else he'll drown. ”
W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence (1919). copy citation
| Author | W. Somerset Maugham |
|---|---|
| Source | The Moon and Sixpence |
| Topic | swimming water |
| Date | 1919 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/222/222-h/222-h.htm |
Context
“you can get along quite comfortably if you're just adequate; but it's different with an artist."
"You blasted fool," he said.
"I don't see why, unless it's folly to say the obvious."
"I tell you I've got to paint. I can't help myself. When a man falls into the water it doesn't matter how he swims, well or badly: he's got to get out or else he'll drown."
There was real passion in his voice, and in spite of myself I was impressed. I seemed to feel in him some vehement power that was struggling within him; it gave me the sensation of something very strong, overmastering, that held him, as it were, against his will.”
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