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Achievement Quote by William Hazlitt

“The present is an age of talkers, and not of doers; and the reason is, that the world is growing old. We are so far advanced in the Arts and Sciences, that we live in retrospect, and dote on past achievement.” quote by William Hazlitt
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“The present is an age of talkers, and not of doers; and the reason is, that the world is growing old. We are so far advanced in the Arts and Sciences, that we live in retrospect, and dote on past achievement.”

William Hazlitt

About This Quote

Source Essay: Thoughts on the Present Age, 1819

Society talks more than it acts, becoming nostalgic while progress stalls.

In simple terms: People talk, rarely act, and dwell on the past.

Key Takeaway

Shift focus from nostalgia to action.

Themes

inertia nostalgia progress

Mood

reflective critical

Type

essay philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political activism
  • personal productivity
  • civic engagement

Key Concepts

social critique philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance reflection with action?
  • What steps can we take to avoid complacency?
A Different Perspective

Action alone cannot reverse systemic inertia.

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