Skip to content

Genius Quote by William Hazlitt

“Genius, like humanity, rusts for the want of use” quote by William Hazlitt
Download Open image
“Genius, like humanity, rusts for the want of use”

William Hazlitt

About This Quote

Source Essay: “On the Pleasure of Reading”, 1826

Human intellect declines when not exercised; like a machine, it rusts without use.

In simple terms: Minds rust without use.

Key Takeaway

Keep learning and practicing to stay sharp.

Themes

intellectual maintenance learning

Mood

thoughtful encouraging

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • career development
  • personal hobbies
  • academic study

Key Concepts

stagnation skill decay continuous improvement

Questions to Reflect On

  • What skill have you let rust?
  • How can you re‑engage with it?
A Different Perspective

Even with effort, some knowledge may become outdated.

3.1 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by William Hazlitt

Explore all 671 William Hazlitt quotes

More Genius quotes

Browse all 5,125 Genius quotes