Pride is founded not on the sense of happiness, but on the sense of power.
William HazlittRead
If goodness were only a theory, it were a pity it should be lost to the world. There are a number of things, the idea of which is a clear gain to the mind. Let people, for instance, rail at friendship, genius, freedom, as long as they will -the very names of these despised qualities are better than anything else that could be substituted for them, and embalm even the most envenomed satire against them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Goodness and virtuous qualities are invaluable, even if criticized.
In this quote, Hazlitt emphasizes the intrinsic value of positive human qualities such as friendship, genius, and freedom. He argues that even if these qualities are subject to ridicule or contempt, their mere existence and acknowledgment are preferable to alternatives that lack their positive essence. The idea suggests that the recognition of goodness is essential for the human experience, and that societal critique does not diminish their importance.
Themes
GoodnessFriendshipGeniusFreedomPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote in a speech about the importance of maintaining values in a critical society.
More from William Hazlitt
All quotes →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 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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