"Before I do anything I feel that I have choice, and that influences what I do; but afterwards, when the thing is done, I believe that it was inevitable from all eternity."
"What do you deduce from that?", asked Hayward.
"Why, merely the futility of regret. it's no good crying over spilt milk, because all the forces of the universe were bent on spilling it."
*****
Again, Happy Mother's Day to everyone who qualifies!
(Chapter LXVII, Page 20)
8 comments:
He's a great story teller.
What this means to me is that we subtle hidden reasons for making the choices we make and we do not realize it until after we have made the choice and feel the inevitability.
Happy Mother's Day, Judy. I like this phrase: "The futility of regret"
Thanks!!!! I love Somerset Maugham's writing!!!!
Happy Mother's Day!
I think humans have fantasies about how much control we have over our lives, it's an illusion often. Regret is only useful for recognizing those things that we are able avoid messing up a second time. I've looked back and wished I had chosen differently at times, and yet I cannot see how that could have happened at that point in my life.
Not to be down on Maugham (on Mom's Day) but I disagree with him. I think we're accountable for the choices we make and we can't blame the consequences on fate. But I agree there's futility in regret.
My mom's philosophy: You got yourself into this mess; you can get yourself out, or find a way to like it. No whining.
I believe in choice and feel regret is a waste of energy and a good place to get your wheels stuck.
Happy Mother's Day
He needed a better picture... he really doesn't look like a very happy man in this one! ;) Of course, many of the great writers were filled with angst...
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