Pride is founded not on the sense of happiness, but on the sense of power.
William HazlittRead
It is well there is no one without fault; for he would not have a friend in the world. He would seem to belong to s different species.
Interpretation
Everyone has faults, and it's our imperfections that allow us to connect with others.
William Hazlitt’s quote highlights the universality of human flaws, suggesting that without these imperfections, one would feel isolated and unable to form genuine friendships. It underscores the idea that our shared vulnerabilities and shortcomings form the basis of authentic human connections, reminding us that it is our faults that make us relatable and human.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of empathy, one could use this quote to emphasize that everyone has flaws.
Pride is founded not on the sense of happiness, but on the sense of power.
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.
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.
I want to be distinguished from the rest; to tell the truth, a friend to all mankind is not a friend for me.
One who knows how to show and to accept kindness will be a friend better than any possession.
There are a good many fools who call me a friend, and also a good many friends who call me a fool.
Some people need a red carpet rolled out in front of them in order to walk forward into friendship. They can't see the tiny outstretched hands all around them, everywhere, like leaves on trees.
Gandalf, dwarves and Mr. Baggins! We are met together in the house of our friend and fellow conspirator, this most excellent and audacious hobbit—may the hair on his toes never fall out!
Friendship is something in the soul. It is a thing one feels. It is not a return for something.
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