Pride is founded not on the sense of happiness, but on the sense of power.
William HazlittRead
We learn to curb our will and keep our overt actions within the bounds of humanity, long before we can subdue our sentiments and imaginations to the same mild tone.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-control and moderation in our actions and emotions.
William Hazlitt reflects on the gradual process of learning to balance our desires and thoughts with the principles of humanity. While we may initially succeed in managing our outward behavior, mastering our inner feelings and imagination can take much longer, highlighting the complexity of self-regulation and emotional maturity.
Themes
Self-ControlHumanityEmotionsActionsWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal growth and emotional intelligence.
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.
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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.
William HazlittRead
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