The Razor's Edge is a novel by W. Somerset Maugham. The book was first published in 1944. It tells the story of Larry Darrell, an American pilot traumatized by his experiences in World War I, who sets off in search of some transcendent meaning in his life. The story begins through the eyes of Larry's friends and acquaintances as they witness his personality change after the War. His rejection of conventional life and search for meaningful experience allows him to thrive while the more materialistic characters suffer reversals of fortune. The book was twice adapted into film, first in 1946 starring Tyrone Power and Gene Tierney, and Herbert Marshall as Maugham and Anne Baxter as Sophie, and then a 1984 adaptation starring Bill Murray.
W. Somerset Maugham book The Razor's Edge
The Razor's Edge (1943)
Context: Nothing in the world is permanent, and we're foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we're still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it. If change is of the essence of existence one would have thought it only sensible to make it the premise of our philosophy.
“A god that can be understood is not a god.”
W. Somerset Maugham book The Razor's Edge
The Razor's Edge (1943), p. 283
“Women are always glad to listen when you discourse upon love…”
W. Somerset Maugham book The Razor's Edge
p, 125
The Razor's Edge (1943)
“Religion is…a conspiracy of…priests to gain control over the people…”
W. Somerset Maugham book The Razor's Edge
The Razor's Edge (1943)
“In art honesty is not only the best but the only policy.”
W. Somerset Maugham book The Razor's Edge
p, 125
The Razor's Edge (1943)
“Things don't get any easier by putting them off.”
W. Somerset Maugham book The Razor's Edge
The Razor's Edge (1943)
“The sad Don Quixote of a worthless purpose.”
W. Somerset Maugham book The Razor's Edge
p, 125
The Razor's Edge (1943)
“Passion doesn't count the cost. … Passion is destructive.”
W. Somerset Maugham book The Razor's Edge
p, 125
The Razor's Edge (1943)
“Passion is destructive; if it does not destroy, it dies.”
W. Somerset Maugham book The Razor's Edge
The Razor's Edge (1943)
