W. Somerset Maugham: 'It's a funny thing about life if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.'

It's a funny thing about life if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.

The quote by W. Somerset Maugham, "It's a funny thing about life if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it," captures a profound truth about the human experience. At its core, this quote reminds us that our expectations and mindset have the power to shape our reality. It suggests that by aiming high, pushing beyond mediocrity, and demanding the best from life, we increase our chances of achieving remarkable outcomes.In the simplest terms, Maugham's quote encourages us not to settle for anything less than excellence in our pursuits. When we refuse to accept mediocrity and instead demand the highest standards from ourselves and from life, we align our intentions and actions with success. It is through this refusal to compromise on our aspirations that we open ourselves up to a multitude of possibilities and opportunities that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. By setting the bar high, we challenge ourselves to reach for greatness.However, while the quote's meaning and importance are clear, let us dive deeper into an unexpected philosophical concept that adds an interesting dimension to this topic - the concept of Stoicism. Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that advocates for living a life of virtue, focusing on what is within our control, and accepting the outcomes without excessive emotional attachment. This philosophical framework may appear in contrast to Maugham's quote, which emphasizes the importance of aiming for the best. But, upon closer inspection, we can find a compatible and harmonious relationship between the two.Stoicism teaches us to accept that some external circumstances are beyond our control. We cannot always dictate the outcome of our efforts, and life can be unpredictable. However, Stoicism also encourages us to strive for the best within our sphere of influence, to pursue excellence in our actions and thoughts. In this sense, the stoic approach complements Maugham's quote beautifully. By accepting that we cannot control everything, we shift our focus to the things we can control - our attitudes, efforts, and intentions. This is where refusing to accept anything but the best becomes truly significant.When we adopt a stoic mindset alongside Maugham's philosophy, we strike a balance between aiming high and embracing the unpredictability of life. We learn to detach ourselves from the outcomes, knowing that they are often beyond our control. Instead, we focus on doing our best, cultivating our virtues, and pursuing excellence in all aspects of life. Through this approach, we find meaning and fulfillment regardless of whether we achieve our desired outcomes. Refusing to accept anything but the best then becomes more about the journey and personal growth rather than an attachment to outcomes.In conclusion, W. Somerset Maugham's quote highlights the significance of refusing to settle for mediocrity. By demanding the best and refusing to accept less, we pave the way for remarkable experiences and outcomes in life. When combined with a stoic perspective, we find a harmonious balance between striving for excellence and accepting the outcomes beyond our control. Ultimately, it is in our relentless pursuit of greatness, while embracing life's uncertainties, that we enrich our lives and find true satisfaction.