“A man's life is his whole life, not the last glimmering snuff of the candle; and this, I say, is considerable, and not a little matter, whether we regard its pleasures or its pains. To draw a peevish conclusion to the contrary from our own superannuated desires or forgetful indifference is about as reasonable as to say, a man never was young because he has grown old, or never lived because he is now dead. The length or agreeableness of a journey does not depend on the few last steps of it, nor is the size of a building to be judged of from the last stone that is added to it. It is neither the first nor last hour of our existence, but the space that parts these two - not our exit nor our entrance upon the stage, but what we do, feel, and think while there - that we are to attend to in pronouncing sentence upon it.”

Share & Save

Meaning

Not documented yet.

When It Was Said

Not documented yet.

Who It Was Said To

Not documented yet.

Historical Context

Not documented yet.

Source

Not documented yet.

Original Language & Translation

Originally said in English.

Did They Really Say It?

Not documented yet.

Did You Know?

Not documented yet.

About William Hazlitt

English essayist and critic of the early 19th century, William Hazlitt remains one of the most incisive voices in literary criticism and social observation. His sharp, often paradoxical essays explore human nature, art, and politics with wit and philosophical depth. Known for works like *The Round Table* and *The Spirit of the Age*, he blends personal reflection with broader cultural critique.

More from William Hazlitt (144 quotes) →
"A man's life is his whole life, not the last glimmering snuff of the…" — William Hazlitt | Daily Quotes