Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Of Human Bondage summary
Brief summary
Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham is a classic novel that follows the life of Philip Carey as he navigates love, art, and the search for meaning. It delves into the complexities of human relationships and the struggle for personal freedom.
Topics
Table of Contents
Of Human Bondage
Summary of key ideas
Discovering Life's Complexities
Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham is a novel that delves into the complexities of life, love, and human relationships. The story follows the life of Philip Carey, an orphan with a clubfoot, as he grows from an impressionable young boy to a struggling artist and finally, to a medical student.
Philip's physical disability and the absence of his parents shape his early life, making him feel isolated and different from others. He is sent to live with his uncle, a vicar, and his aunt in the countryside. Here, he is introduced to the harsh realities of life, including the hypocrisy of religious institutions and the struggles of human relationships.
Unrequited Love and Artistic Pursuits
As Philip grows older, he moves to Heidelberg to study art, hoping to become a successful artist. It is here that he meets and falls hopelessly in love with Mildred, a selfish and manipulative waitress. Despite her cruel treatment of him, Philip remains infatuated with her, unable to break free from the bondage of unrequited love.
Philip's artistic ambitions also face a harsh reality when he realizes his lack of talent. Disheartened, he abandons his artistic pursuits and returns to England, where he begins studying medicine. It is during his medical studies that he encounters a new love interest, Sally, a kind and caring woman who becomes a stable presence in his tumultuous life.
Struggles and Self-Discovery
Despite his growing affection for Sally, Philip continues to be drawn to Mildred, who repeatedly enters and exits his life, causing him immense emotional pain. His obsession with her symbolizes the self-destructive tendencies that often accompany unrequited love. As he navigates his relationships with these two women, Philip also grapples with his own identity and purpose in life.
Throughout his journey, Philip undergoes a profound transformation, shedding his naivety and embracing the complexities of human emotions and relationships. He begins to understand that true freedom comes not from escaping emotional entanglements but from accepting them and finding his own path within them.
Acceptance and Moving Forward
As the novel progresses, Philip's character evolves from a vulnerable and easily manipulated young man to a more mature and self-assured individual. He eventually comes to terms with his unrequited love for Mildred and acknowledges that she will never reciprocate his feelings.
In the end, Philip finds solace in his friendship with Sally and his commitment to his medical career. He learns to accept life's uncertainties and complexities, understanding that true happiness lies in embracing the present and moving forward. Of Human Bondage is a poignant exploration of the human condition, highlighting the ways in which our desires and relationships can both enrich and entangle our lives.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Of Human Bondage about?
Of Human Bondage is a classic novel by W. Somerset Maugham that tells the story of Philip Carey, a young boy born with a clubfoot who grows up to become an aspiring artist. The book explores themes of love, obsession, and the search for meaning in life as Philip navigates through various relationships and struggles to find his true calling.
Of Human Bondage Review
Of Human Bondage (1915) tells the captivating story of a young man's struggles with love, art, and destiny. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- Explores human emotions and complexities with depth and realism, making the characters and their experiences incredibly relatable.
- Offers a profound examination of self-discovery and personal growth, illustrating the journey towards understanding oneself and finding purpose.
- Surprises with its twists and turns in the protagonist's life, keeping the reader engaged and invested in the outcome until the very end.
Who should read Of Human Bondage?
Readers who enjoy psychological and character-driven novels
Those interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships and emotions
Individuals who appreciate introspective and thought-provoking literature
Categories with Of Human Bondage
Book summaries like Of Human Bondage
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Of Human Bondage FAQs
What is the main message of Of Human Bondage?
Accepting oneself and finding freedom from personal struggles.
How long does it take to read Of Human Bondage?
Reading time varies, but it's a few hours. Blinkist summary takes about 15 minutes.
Is Of Human Bondage a good book? Is it worth reading?
Of Human Bondage is a compelling read with deep insights. It's definitely worth your time.
Who is the author of Of Human Bondage?
The author of Of Human Bondage is W. Somerset Maugham.
What to read after Of Human Bondage?
If you're wondering what to read next after Of Human Bondage, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda