Pride is founded not on the sense of happiness, but on the sense of power.
William HazlittRead
Every one in a crowd has the power to throw dirt; none out of ten have the inclination.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights how many people can criticize or harm others, but only a few are willing to act on such tendencies.
William Hazlitt's quote reflects on the nature of criticism and negativity within society. It suggests that while everyone has the capability to engage in harmful behavior or speak ill of others, only a minority are inclined to do so. This idea prompts us to consider the motivations behind our actions and the relative rarity of those who choose to rise above petty behaviors.
Themes
CriticismBehaviorInclinationCrowdNegativity
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about the importance of positivity in the workplace, this quote can be used to illustrate how negativity can be prevalent but is often not acted upon.
More from William Hazlitt
All quotes βThe 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 HazlittRead
Our repugnance to death increases in proportion to our consciousness of having lived in vain.
William HazlittRead
We can bear to be deprived of everything but our self-conceit.
William HazlittRead
There are few things in which we deceive ourselves more than in the esteem we profess to entertain for our firends. 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 HazlittRead
Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity is a greater. Possession pampers the mind; privation trains and strengthens it.
William HazlittRead
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