Pride is founded not on the sense of happiness, but on the sense of power.
William HazlittRead
Every man, in his own opinion, forms an exception to the ordinary rules of morality.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People often believe they are unique and exempt from common moral standards.
This quote by William Hazlitt suggests that every individual tends to see themselves as a special case, believing that their circumstances or reasoning set them apart from the typical ethical guidelines that govern others. It highlights a common human tendency to rationalize our actions and choices, implying that we often excuse ourselves from the moral limitations we impose on others.
Themes
MoralityExceptionOpinionIndividualismEthics
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about personal ethics, one might quote Hazlitt to emphasize the subjective nature of moral standards.
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.
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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