“Poetry is only the highest eloquence of passion, the most vivid form of expression that can be given to our conception of anything, whether pleasurable or painful, mean or dignified, delightful or distressing. It is the perfect coincidence of the image and the words with the feeling we have, and of which we cannot get rid in any other way, that gives an instant "satisfaction to the thought." This is equally the origin of wit and fancy, of comedy and tragedy, of the sublime and pathetic.”

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Originally said in English.

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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) →
"Poetry is only the highest eloquence of passion, the most vivid form…" — William Hazlitt | Daily Quotes