For men and women are not only themselves; they are also the region in which they are born, the city apartment or farm in which they learnt to walk, the games they played as children, the old wives tales they overheard, the food they ate, the schools they attended, the sports they followed, the poets they read, and the God they believed in. It is all these things that have made them what they are, and these are the things that you can't come to know by hearsay...
The quote emphasizes that individuals are shaped by a myriad of influences beyond their own conscious choices. Factors such as their geographic origins, childhood experiences, cultural practices, and educational backgrounds play a crucial role in defining who they are. Each person's identity is a complex tapestry woven from the threads of their environment, upbringing, and the beliefs they encounter throughout their lives.
Maugham suggests that true understanding of a person cannot be attained through mere secondhand information or hearsay. It requires a deeper engagement with their experiences and influences. This perspective highlights the significance of personal history and cultural context in shaping an individual's character and worldview, underscoring the idea that our identities are not solitary but interconnected with the world around us.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
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