Pride is founded not on the sense of happiness, but on the sense of power.
William HazlittRead
We can bear to be deprived of everything but our self-conceit.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of self-image and pride, suggesting that losing possessions is bearable, but losing self-esteem is not.
William Hazlitt highlights the human tendency to cling to self-conceit, or an inflated sense of self-worth, suggesting that it is the most enduring aspect of our identity. While material possessions can be taken away, our perception of ourselves and our pride are often what we fight hardest to protect, illustrating the deep connection between self-esteem and our overall well-being.
Themes
Self-ConceitSelf-EsteemIdentityPrideMaterialism
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about self-worth and resilience.
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
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
One is always more vexed at losing a game of any sort by a single hole or ace, than if one has never had a chance of winning it.
William HazlittRead
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