---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Cant is the voluntary overcharging or…"
description: "\"Cant is the voluntary overcharging or prolongation of a real sentiment; hypocrisy is the setting up a pretension to a feeling you never had and have no..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0f9/william-hazlitt-326_cant_cant-is-the-voluntary-overcharging-or-pr_2009509.png"
---

#  Cant is the voluntary overcharging or prolongation of a…

![“Cant is the voluntary overcharging or prolongation of a real sentiment; hypocrisy is the setting up a pretension to a feeling you never had and have no wish for.” quote by William Hazlitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0f9/william-hazlitt-326_cant_cant-is-the-voluntary-overcharging-or-pr_2009509.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0f9/william-hazlitt-326_cant_cant-is-the-voluntary-overcharging-or-pr_2009509.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0f9/william-hazlitt-326_cant_cant-is-the-voluntary-overcharging-or-pr_2009509.png)

> “Cant is the voluntary overcharging or prolongation of a real sentiment; hypocrisy is the setting up a pretension to a feeling you never had and have no wish for.”

[William Hazlitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-hazlitt/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Hypocrisy involves feigning feelings one does not possess, while cant pretends to hold exaggerated moral or sentimental positions.

**In simple terms:** Pretending feelings vs. exaggerated moral claims.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and avoid insincere displays.

Themes

ethics authenticity social behavior language

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

- political rhetoric
- social media
- personal relationships
- public speaking

Key Concepts

hypocrisy cant pretense moral posturing

Questions to Reflect On

- When have you witnessed cant versus hypocrisy?
- Why do people adopt false personas?

A Different Perspective

Social pressure may encourage performative sincerity.

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[Feelings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feelings/) [Hypocrisy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hypocrisy/) [Pretension](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pretension/) [Sentiment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sentiment/) [Sentiments](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sentiments/) [Setting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/setting/) [Wish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wish/)

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Browse all 390 Cant quotes

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