"Mr. Know-All" is a short story by W. Somerset Maugham that tells the tale of a man named Max Kelada, who is traveling on a ship from San Francisco to Yokohama. Kelada is a self-proclaimed expert on everything and constantly brags about his knowledge and accomplishments. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that Kelada is actually a fraud and his boasts are empty.
The story begins with Kelada introducing himself to the narrator, who is also a passenger on the ship. Kelada immediately begins boasting about his travels and accomplishments, claiming to have lived all over the world and to have experienced everything there is to experience. The narrator is initially impressed by Kelada's confidence and knowledge, but as he gets to know him better, he begins to see through Kelada's façade.
As the story continues, Kelada continues to make outrageous claims about his knowledge and expertise, but the narrator and other passengers on the ship begin to see that he is actually a dishonest and arrogant man. Despite his claims of being a connoisseur of fine wine, he is unable to distinguish a good wine from a bad one, and he is also unable to play the piano, despite claiming to be an accomplished musician.
As the ship approaches Yokohama, Kelada becomes more and more desperate to maintain his image as a knowledgeable and sophisticated man. He becomes embroiled in a dispute with another passenger over a piece of jewelry, and it becomes clear that he is willing to lie and cheat in order to win. In the end, Kelada's true nature is exposed, and he is revealed to be a fraud and a liar.
Overall, "Mr. Know-All" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. Through the character of Max Kelada, Maugham illustrates the dangers of being overly confident and arrogant, and he shows the importance of honesty and integrity. The story serves as a reminder that it is better to be humble and honest than to try to impress others with false claims and boasts.
