# On Paradox and Commonplace explained — Table-Talk

> Chapter companion for Table-Talk by William Hazlitt.

## What happens

Hazlitt contrasts the empty, smooth commonplaces of establishment figures like Mr. Canning with the wild paradoxes of poets and reformers, arguing that both extremes are flawed. He critiques Canning's conservative appeal to past experience as a bar to progress, then turns to attack the volatile, self-dramatizing nature of poets and reformers—particularly Shelley—who pursue novelty and shock at the expense of practical improvement and common sense.

## Themes in this chapter

### Criticism and Critical Practice

Hazlitt applies critical reasoning to dissect both Canning's commonplace and Shelley's paradoxes, exposing their underlying absurdities.

### The Nature of Learning and Pedantry

The chapter contrasts genuine learning from experience with the pedantic reliance on past authority or empty speculation.

### Fame, Reputation, and Public Opinion

Hazlitt critiques poets and reformers who seek notoriety through shocking opinions rather than genuine contribution to public good.

## Character check-ins

### William Hazlitt

The author and narrator, delivering a critique of both commonplace conservatism and extravagant paradox.

### George Canning

Quoted for his Liverpool speech, presenting a conservative commonplace against reform.

### Percy Bysshe Shelley

Criticized for his levity, speculative nature, and tendency to shock rather than convince.

### William Cobbett

Referenced in passing regarding his work 'Gold Against Paper' as an example of a fixed system.

### Robert Southey

Mentioned as a poet-laureate and example of an apostate from revolutionary fervor.

## Key lines

> My lot is cast under the British Monarchy. Under that I have lived; under that I have seen my country flourish; under that I have seen it enjoy as great a share of prosperity, of happiness, and of glory as I believe any modification of human society to be capable of bestowing; and I am not prepared to sacrifice or to hazard the fruit of centuries of experience, of centuries of struggles, and of more than one century of liberty, as perfect as ever blessed any country upon the earth, for visionary schemes of ideal perfectibility, for doubtful experiments even of possible improvement.

Canning argues that because Britain has prospered under its monarchy, we should not risk that stability for untested reforms.

_Hazlitt uses this as a prime example of a smooth commonplace that masks logical flaws._

> Fine words butter no parsnips.

Eloquent speech does not provide practical benefits.

_Proverb used to dismiss utopian schemes as empty rhetoric._

> While you are talking of marrying, I am thinking of hanging.

While you discuss idealistic plans, I am focused on urgent realities.

_Quoted from Captain Macheath in The Beggar's Opera, contrasting action with idle speculation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/table_talk_se/chapters/volume-i-on-paradox-and-commonplace
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/table_talk_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/table_talk_se/chapters