Meandering on . . .

Today is the birthday of William Hazlitt (April 10, 1778 – September 18, 1830), literary critic, essayist and philosopher. He was considered one of the greatest critics and essayists in his time; however, his work is not as well known today.

"Man is the only animal that laughs and weeps; for he is the only animal that is struck with the difference between what things are, and what they ought to be." - William Hazlitt

"Perhaps the best cure for the fear of death is to reflect that life has a beginning as well as an end. There was a time when we were not: this gives us no concern — why then should it trouble us that a time will come when we shall cease to be?" - William Hazlitt

"Books let us into their souls and lay open to us the secrets of our own." - William Hazlitt

"If you think you can win, you can win. Faith is necessary to victory." - William Hazlitt

"Well, I've had a happy life." -
Last words (09/18/1830), quoted by his grandson, William Carew Hazlitt

Trivia bit: William Hazlitt is credited with creating the term ultracrepidarian to describe one who gives opinions on matters beyond one's knowledge.

Hazlitt image source (1)