Table-Talk · Chapter
On Thought and Action explained
Hazlitt explores the relationship between thought and action, arguing that success in practical affairs often requires a lack of imagination and a narrow focus on self-interest, while genius and speculation are prone to error and overreach.
What happens
Hazlitt explores the relationship between thought and action, arguing that success in practical affairs often requires a lack of imagination and a narrow focus on self-interest, while genius and speculation are prone to error and overreach. He contrasts the qualities of active men—such as will, obstinacy, and a sense of power—with those of speculative thinkers, using historical and contemporary figures as examples.
Themes in this chapter
Intellectual Superiority and Its Disadvantages
Hazlitt argues that men of genius often err due to excess of passion or imagination, while practical men succeed through narrow focus and lack of thought.
The Nature of Learning and Pedantry
The chapter criticizes pedantic distinctions that set aside great active figures, advocating for a broader understanding of human capacity.
Fame, Reputation, and Public Opinion
Discusses how reputation and public opinion affect the success of practical men versus thinkers, and the role of custom in business.
Characters to notice
- William Hazlitt
Author and narrator, reflecting on the nature of thought and action.
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Referenced for his classification of Bonaparte as an active rather than intellectual character.
- Lord Byron
Mentioned in the context of passion and irrationality ('for love').
- John Milton
Compared with Cromwell in a rhetorical question about greatness.
- George Canning
Contrasted unfavorably with Lord Castlereagh as a mere fluent sophist.
- Duke of Wellington
Implied in the discussion of active characters and military men.
Key passages
“The understanding operates as a motive to action only in the silence of the passions.”
Reason only drives action when emotions are quiet.
Hazlitt emphasizes that passion often overrides rational judgment in decision-making.
“The want of thought, of imagination, drives the practical man upon immediate realities: to the poet or philosopher all is real and interesting that is true or possible.”
A lack of imagination forces the practical man to focus on tangible things, while the poet or philosopher finds value in all that is true or possible.
Contrasts the narrow focus of practical men with the broad curiosity of thinkers.
“Self-will and blind prejudice are the best defence of actual power and exclusive advantages.”
Stubbornness and prejudice effectively protect existing power and privilege.
Hazlitt observes that obstinacy can be more effective than reason in maintaining power.