W. Somerset Maugham on decisions

The ability to quote is a serviceable substitute for wit.

The common idea that success spoils people by making them vain, egotistic and self-complacent is erroneous; on the contrary it makes them, for the most part, humble, tolerant and kind.

Money is like a sixth sense without which you cannot make a complete use of the other five.

The time to take counsel of your fears is before you make an important battle decision. That’s the time to listen to every fear you can imagine! When you have collected all the facts and fears and made your decision, turn off all your fears and go ahead.

George S. Patton1885–1945

• Fear

When we are debating an issue, loyalty means giving me your honest opinion, whether you think I’ll like it or not. Disagreement, at this stage, stimulates me. But once a decision has been made, the debate ends. From that point on, loyalty means executing the decision as if it were your own.

Colin Powell1937–2021

Ever notice that ‘what the hell’ is always the right decision?

Marilyn Monroe1926–1962

• Risk