William Hazlitt Quotes

There has never been a man mean and at the same time virtuous.

We do not despise all those who have vices, but we do despise those that have no virtue.

Character is in turn the enduring source of virtue. It stands by itself and excites admiration in others. It is not obedience to authority, and while it is often consistent with and reinforced by religious belief, it is not piety.

The greatest work in all the world is the building of men and women of character. Without character there is not much that is worthwhile.

Be virtuous and you will be eccentric.

Oh, 'tis not my qualities they object to! 'Tis my lack of vice.

Character: the grandest thing in the world.

Vice is man's nature: virtue is a habit--or a mask.

No people can be great who have ceased to be virtuous.

A good man will certainly also possess courage; but a brave man is not necessarily good.

If one is not virtuous he becomes vicious.

The weak-minded man is the slave of his vices and the dupe of his virtues.

Where virtue is, sensibility is the ornament and becoming attire of virtue. On certain occasions it may almost be said to become virtue. But sensibility and all the amiable qualities may likewise become, and too often have become, the panders of vice and the instruments of seduction.

The just man walks in his integrity

Virtue is the first title of nobility.

There is hardly that person to be found who is not more concerned for the reputation of wit and sense, than honesty and virtue.

For he that is a good man, is three quarters of his way towards the being a good Christian, wheresoever he lives, or whatsoever he is called.

Birth is nothing without virtue, and we have no claim to share in the glory of our ancestors unless we endeavor to resemble them.

For he who is honest is noble, Whatever his fortunes or birth.

Certainly virtue is like precious odors, most fragrant when they are incensed, or crushed: for prosperity doth best discover vice, but adversity doth best discover virtue.

. . . Virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone that renders us invincible. These are the tactics we should study. If we lose these, we are conquered, fallen indeed . . . so long as our manners and principles remain sound, there is no danger.

Prudence is a quality incompatible with vice, and can never be effectively enlisted in its cause.

He, who practices right, but in the hope of acquiring great renown, is very near to vice.

If virtue goes to sleep, it will be more vigorous when it awakes.

Though a man cannot abstain from being weak, he may from being vicious.