---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If we wish to know the force of human…"
description: "\"If we wish to know the force of human genius, we should read Shakespeare. If we wish to see the insignificance of human learning, we may study his comm..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6cc/william-hazlitt-326_force_if-we-wish-to-know-the-force-of-human-ge_3213469.png"
---

#  If we wish to know the force of human genius, we should…

![“If we wish to know the force of human genius, we should read Shakespeare. If we wish to see the insignificance of human learning, we may study his commentators.” quote by William Hazlitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6cc/william-hazlitt-326_force_if-we-wish-to-know-the-force-of-human-ge_3213469.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6cc/william-hazlitt-326_force_if-we-wish-to-know-the-force-of-human-ge_3213469.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6cc/william-hazlitt-326_force_if-we-wish-to-know-the-force-of-human-ge_3213469.png)

> “If we wish to know the force of human genius, we should read Shakespeare. If we wish to see the insignificance of human learning, we may study his commentators.”

[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.

Genius is evident in Shakespeare's works, while overanalysis by scholars can diminish its impact.

**In simple terms:** Shakespeare shows genius; critics can overcomplicate.

Key Takeaway

Balance reading original works with critical study.

Themes

genius literature criticism

Mood

reflective critical

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

- academic study
- literary appreciation
- education

Key Concepts

human nature interpretation

Questions to Reflect On

- Do critics enhance or hinder understanding?
- How much analysis is too much?

A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on commentary may obscure original brilliance.

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[Genius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/genius/) [Insignificance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/insignificance/) [Intelligence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intelligence/) [Learning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/learning/) [Nature of man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nature-of-man/) [Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shakespeare/) [Wish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wish/)

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