Mr. Know All" is a short story by W. Somerset Maugham, first published in 1924. The story is set aboard a ship traveling from San Francisco to Yokohama. The narrator, who initially dislikes a fellow passenger named Mr. Max Kelada, is forced to share a cabin with him. Kelada is portrayed as a confident and opinionated man who claims to know everything.

As the voyage progresses, Kelada's incessant know-it-all attitude annoys the narrator and other passengers. However, when a valuable pearl necklace goes missing, Kelada skillfully identifies the thief, surprising everyone. His knowledge and judgment prove invaluable in resolving the situation.

The story explores themes of prejudice, tolerance, and the complexity of human nature. It challenges the narrator's initial judgments about Kelada and highlights the idea that true knowledge goes beyond superficial appearances.

In the end, "Mr. Know All" serves as a thought-provoking commentary on human behavior and the tendency to jump to conclusions about others. It reminds us to look beyond stereotypes and first impressions to discover the depth of a person's character.

Mr. Know All Part 2
   • W. Somerset Maugham's Classic Short S...