Able Quote by William Hazlitt
“It is better to be able neither to read nor write than to be able to do nothing else.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "On the Pleasures of Literature", 1811
Being literate without purpose is less valuable than being purposeful without literacy.
In simple terms: Purpose beats idle skill.
Find meaning beyond mere ability.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- career
- volunteering
- personal development
- education
- creative projects
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What purpose can you attach to your abilities?
- How does usefulness shape self-worth?
Skill without purpose can lead to emptiness.