William Hazlitt quotes - page 10

There is, however, no prejudice so strong as that which arises from a fancied exemption from all prejudice. For this last implies not only the practical conviction that it is right, but the theoretical assumption that it cannot be wrong. (William Hazlitt)
A party-feeling of this kind once formed will insensibly communicate itself to other topics; and will be too apt to lead its votaries to a contempt for the opinions of others, a jealousy of every difference of sentiment, and a disposition to arrogate all sound principle as well as understanding to themselves, and those who think with them. View quote
William Hazlitt
He who has a contempt for poetry, cannot have much respect for himself, or for anything else. View quote
William Hazlitt
There is a natural tendency in sects to narrow the mind. View quote
William Hazlitt
Horus non numero nisi serenas-"I count only the hours that are serene"-is the motto of a sundial near Venice. There is a softness and a harmony in the words and in the thought unparalleled. View quote
William Hazlitt
It is strange that people should take so much interest at one time in what they so soon forget; - the truth is, they feel no interest in it [news of the day] at any time, but it does for something to talk about. Their ideas are served up to them, like their bill of fare, for the day; and the whole creation, history, war, politics, morals, poetry, metaphysics, is to them like a file of antedated newspapers, of no use, not even for reference, except the one which lies on the table! You cannot take any of these persons at a greater disadvantage than before they are provided with their cue for the day. They ask with a face of dreary vacuity, 'Have you anything new? View quote
William Hazlitt
We are very much what others think of us. View quote
William Hazlitt
The busier we are the more leisure we have. View quote
William Hazlitt
The most insignificant people are the most apt to sneer at others. They are safe from reprisals. And have no hope of rising in their own self esteem but by lowering their neighbors. View quote
William Hazlitt
Rules and models destroy genius and art. View quote
William Hazlitt
Common sense, to most people, is nothing more than their own opinions. (William Hazlitt)
Our repugnance to death increases in proportion to our consciousness of having lived in vain. View quote
William Hazlitt
Envy is littleness of soul. View quote
William Hazlitt
The best part of our lives we pass in counting on what is to come. View quote
William Hazlitt
A man knows his companion in a long journey and a little inn. View quote
William Hazlitt
The worst old age is that of the mind. View quote
William Hazlitt
The silence of a friend commonly amounts to treachery. His not daring to say anything in our behalf implies a tacit censure. View quote
William Hazlitt
The garb of religion is the best cloak for power. View quote
William Hazlitt
Nothing is more unjust or capricious than public opinion. View quote
William Hazlitt
A strong passion for any object will ensure success, for the desire of the end will point out the means. View quote
William Hazlitt
Mankind are a herd of knaves and fools. It is necessary to join the crowd, or get out of their way, in order not to be trampled to death by them. (William Hazlitt)
Prejudice is never easy unless it can pass itself off for reason. View quote
William Hazlitt
The only impeccable writers are those who never wrote. View quote
William Hazlitt
The ignorance of the world leaves one at the mercy of its malice. View quote
William Hazlitt
Human life may be regarded as a succession of frontispieces. The way to be satisfied is never to look back. View quote
William Hazlitt