Pride is founded not on the sense of happiness, but on the sense of power.
William HazlittRead
The way to get on in the world is to be neither more nor less wise, neither better nor worse than your neighbours.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Balance and moderation are key to social harmony and personal success.
In this quote, Hazlitt emphasizes the importance of finding a balance in one’s wisdom and behavior relative to others. By suggesting that one should not strive to be overly wise or less wise than their neighbors, he highlights the value of social conformity and moderation for achieving acceptance and success in the community.
Themes
WisdomBalanceModerationSocial HarmonySuccess
In practice
Example use cases
During a community meeting discussing neighborhood issues, one might use this quote to advocate for understanding and compromise among residents.
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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