William Hazlitt quotes page 1

1778-1830, English writer

Prosperity is a great teacher, adversity a greater.
William Hazlitt

The world loves to be amused by hollow professions, to be deceived by flattering
appearances, to live in a state of hallucination; and can forgive everything but the plain,
downright, simple, honest truth.
William Hazlitt

He will never have true friends who is afraid of making enemies.
William Hazlitt

To be capable of steady friendship or lasting love, are the two greatest proofs, not only of
goodness of heart, but of strength of mind.
William Hazlitt

The art of conversation is the art of hearing as well as of being heard.
William Hazlitt

Zeal will do more than knowledge.
William Hazlitt

The art of life is to know how to enjoy a little and to endure much.
William Hazlitt

Unlimited power is helpless, as arbitrary power is capricious. Our energy is in proportion to the
resistance it meets. We can attempt nothing great, but from a sense of the difficulties we
have to encounter: We can persevere in nothing great, but from a pride in overcoming them.
William Hazlitt

The difference between the vanity of a Frenchman and an Englishman is this: The one thinks
everything right that is French, while the other thinks everything wrong that is not English.
William Hazlitt

As is our confidence, so is our capacity.
William Hazlitt

The world judge of men by their ability in their profession, and we judge of ourselves by the
same test; for it is on that on which our success in life depends.
William Hazlitt

The old maxim: There are three things necessary to success in life - Impudence! Impudence!
Impudence!
William Hazlitt

When a man is dead, they put money in his coffin, erect monuments to his memory, and
celebrate the anniversary of his birthday in set speeches. Would they take any notice of him
if he were living? No!
William Hazlitt

The world dread nothing so much as being convinced of their errors.
William Hazlitt

Man is the only animal that laughs and weeps; for he is the only animal that is struck with the
difference between what things are, and what they ought to be.
William Hazlitt

No really great man ever thought himself so.
William Hazlitt

Prejudice is the child of ignorance.
William Hazlitt

The slaves of power mind the cause they have to serve, because their own interest is
concerned; but the friends of liberty always sacrifice their cause, which is only the cause of
humanity, to their own spleen, vanity, and self-opinion.
William Hazlitt

Grace in women has more effect than beauty.
William Hazlitt

One of the pleasantest things in the world is going a journey; but I like to do it myself. I can
enjoy society in a room; but out of doors, nature is company enough for me. I am then never
less alone than when alone.
William Hazlitt

The more we do, the more we can do.
William Hazlitt

The contemplation of truth and beauty is the proper object for which we were created, which
calls forth the most intense desires of the soul, and of which it never tires.
William Hazlitt

The most learned are often the most narrow-minded men.
William Hazlitt

If the world were good for nothing else, it is a fine subject for speculation.
William Hazlitt

There are few things in which we deceive ourselves more than in the esteem we profess to
entertain for our friends. It is little better than a piece of quackery. The truth is, we think of
them as we please - that is as they please or displease us.
William Hazlitt

The rule for traveling abroad is to take our common sense with us, and leave our prejudices
behind.
William Hazlitt

An honest man speaks the truth, though it may give offence; a vain man, in order that it may.
William Hazlitt

Those only deserve a monument who do not need one; that is, who have raised themselves a
monument in the minds and memories of men.
William Hazlitt

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