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Believe Quote by William Hazlitt

“A nickname is the heaviest stone that the devil can throw at a man. It is a bugbear to the imagination, and, though we do not believe in it, it still haunts our apprehensions.” quote by William Hazlitt
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“A nickname is the heaviest stone that the devil can throw at a man. It is a bugbear to the imagination, and, though we do not believe in it, it still haunts our apprehensions.”

William Hazlitt

About This Quote

Source Essay: "On the Superstitions of Man", 1825

Superstitions act as heavy mental burdens that hinder rational thought.

In simple terms: Superstitions are mental weights.

Key Takeaway

Question and release unfounded fears.

Themes

psychology belief fear

Mood

skeptical reflective

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • decision making
  • mental health
  • public speaking
  • education

Key Concepts

cognitive bias cultural myth

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do people cling to irrational beliefs?
  • How can we challenge harmful superstitions?
A Different Perspective

Superstitions can provide comfort despite their irrationality.

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