Pride is founded not on the sense of happiness, but on the sense of power.
...greatness sympathises with greatness, and littleness shrinks into itself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Greatness recognizes and connects with other greatness, while those who are small-minded tend to retreat into their own limitations.
This quote by William Hazlitt suggests that individuals who possess greatness are likely to appreciate and resonate with others who share similar qualities. In contrast, those who embody littleness or mediocrity often isolate themselves, failing to engage with others who might challenge or inspire them. This reflection on human nature highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with greatness to foster personal growth and ambition.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about personal development, this quote could be used to emphasize the importance of surrounding oneself with inspiring individuals.
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.
Our repugnance to death increases in proportion to our consciousness of having lived in vain.
We can bear to be deprived of everything but our self-conceit.
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.
Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity is a greater. Possession pampers the mind; privation trains and strengthens it.
Similar quotes
I must learn to love the fool in me the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries.
The grandiose person is never really free; first because he is excessively dependent on admiration from others, and second, because his self-respect is dependent on qualities, functions, and achievements that can suddenly fail.
I saw that everything really was written there before me, and that the doors had only been closed before because I hadn't realized that I was the one person in the world with the authority to open them.
Vocations are born in prayer and from prayer; and only in prayer can they persevere and bear fruit.
Truth is meant to save you first, and the comfort comes afterwards.
The way to stop financial joyriding is to arrest the chauffeur, not the automobile.