Pride is founded not on the sense of happiness, but on the sense of power.
William HazlittRead
The only true retirement is that of the heart; the only true leisure is the repose of the passions. To such persons it makes little difference whether they are young or old; and they die as they have lived, with graceful resignation.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True retirement comes from inner peace rather than from age or external leisure activities.
William Hazlitt's quote emphasizes that genuine retirement and leisure are not merely states of being free from work or responsibilities, but rather a condition of the heart and mind. It suggests that those who find solace in their passions and live with acceptance and grace do not feel the weight of age, as they approach life and death with a tranquil spirit.
Themes
RetirementLeisurePassionsHeartGraceAge
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a retirement party to reflect on the essence of a fulfilling life.
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.
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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.
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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