...He had few illusions, for here are some of the things that life had taught him: Men hate those whom they have injured; men love those whom they have benefited; men naturally avoid their benefactors; men are universally actuated by self-interest; gratitude is a lovely sense of expected benefits; promises are never forgotten by those to whom they are made, usually by those who make them.
The excerpt reflects a character's learned truths about human nature and relationships. It emphasizes the complexity of emotions like love, hate, and gratitude, suggesting that people are often driven by self-interest. The observation that men tend to hate those they have wronged while favoring their benefactors indicates a flawed understanding of interpersonal connections.
Furthermore, the text highlights the enduring nature of promises and the expectation surrounding gratitude. Maugham reveals a cynical...