Despicable Quote by William Hazlitt
“There is no one thoroughly despicable. We cannot descend much lower than an idiot; and an idiot has some advantages over a wise man.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: On the Vanity of Human Wishes, William Hazlitt, 1815
Even the lowest among us possess some advantages, while the wise can be flawed; no one is wholly despicable.
In simple terms: Everyone has strengths and flaws; no one is completely bad.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both merit and folly in everyone.
Themes
humility
human nature
wisdom
flaws
Mood
thoughtful
balanced
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- workplace
- friendships
- public discourse
Key Concepts
philosophy
literature
Questions to Reflect On
- What virtues do you overlook in others?
- How does recognizing flaws in the wise affect your expectations?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on negative traits can breed cynicism.
![“The American experiment, the United States in the past eight years [2008-2016] was not considered worthy of leading, because we had committed too many transgressions. We didn't have the moral authority to lead anybody because we had too many injustices in our past and too many discriminations and…” quote by Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/837/rush-limbaugh-28_authority_the-american-experiment-the-united-state_153892.jpg)
