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To think justly, we must understand what others mean. To know the value of our thoughts, we must try their effect on other minds.
William Hazlitt
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Understanding others' perspectives is essential for just thought.

William Hazlitt emphasizes the importance of empathy in our thought processes. To think justly, we must not only articulate our own thoughts but also comprehend how they are perceived by others. This interplay between our thoughts and others' minds is crucial in evaluating the true value of our ideas.

Themes

UnderstandingThoughtEmpathyPerspectiveCommunication

In practice

Example use cases

During a debate about a controversial topic, you might say this quote to emphasize the need for understanding differing viewpoints.

More from William Hazlitt

Pride is founded not on the sense of happiness, but on the sense of power.
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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.
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Our repugnance to death increases in proportion to our consciousness of having lived in vain.
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We can bear to be deprived of everything but our self-conceit.
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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.
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Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity is a greater. Possession pampers the mind; privation trains and strengthens it.
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