"It is not true that suffering ennobles the character; happiness does that sometimes, but suffering for the most part, makes men petty and vindictive"

W. Somerset Maugham’s assertion directly challenges the romanticized idea that suffering is inherently transformative or morally uplifting. Throughout literature and philosophy, suffering has traditionally been portrayed as a crucible in which character is forged or purified. Maugham, however, upends this narrative, suggesting instead that suffering rarely leads to noble outcomes. According to his view, the hardships and pain we endure do not typically elevate us; rather, they have a greater tendency to diminish our character. Suffering, he claims, often breeds pettiness and resentment.

Happiness, in contrast, is afforded the rare ability to improve us morally or spiritually, “happiness does that sometimes.” Joy and contentment can foster generosity, empathy, and a broader, more gracious perspective on life and others. People who feel fulfilled and secure are more likely to extend kindness and show patience. In times of happiness, individuals can afford to rise above trivial grievances and express magnanimity.

Suffering, by contrast, pushes people inward. When individuals are overwhelmed by pain or adversity, they may develop habits of self-preservation that dissolve generosity and encourage suspicion, bitterness, and vindictiveness. Battle-scarred people might hold grudges or seek revenge, their perspective narrowed by their own anguish. While there are certainly exceptions, stories of those who have grown or learned through hardship, Maugham’s observation is a caution not to overvalue suffering's virtue. Most of the time, hardship doesn’t transform us for the better; instead, it can contract our spirit, making us meaner, less forgiving, and focused on perceived slights.

Maugham’s insight reframes the conversation about personal growth. Recognizing suffering’s potentially corrosive effects enables greater empathy. It encourages us to support and uplift each other not by glorifying adversity, but by cultivating environments where happiness, and the goodness it sometimes brings, can flourish.