# On the Disadvantages of Intellectual Superiority explained — Table-Talk

> Chapter companion for Table-Talk by William Hazlitt.

## What happens

Hazlitt argues that intellectual superiority isolates a person from society, as the common herd cannot understand or appreciate refined knowledge, leading to suspicion, hatred, and social awkwardness. He suggests that condescension only breeds contempt, and that the truly learned are often at a disadvantage in practical affairs and popular success.

## Themes in this chapter

### Intellectual Superiority and Its Disadvantages

Central theme: the isolation, misunderstanding, and social penalties faced by those with superior intellect.

### Social Class and Pretension

Explored through the contrast between refined knowledge and vulgar ignorance, and the futility of condescension.

### Fame, Reputation, and Public Opinion

Discussed in terms of how intellectual superiority often leads to unpopularity and failure in the public eye.

## Character check-ins

### William Hazlitt

The author and narrator, reflecting on his own experiences with intellectual superiority and social isolation.

### Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Mentioned as someone who talks to people about what they don't understand, contrasting with Hazlitt's approach.

### William Shakespeare

Quoted for the line 'To be honest, as this world goes, is to be one man picked out of ten thousand.'

### Thomas Hobbes

Cited as an example of a great philosopher who was scouted while living and forgotten after death.

## Key lines

> The chief disadvantage of knowing more and seeing farther than others, is not to be generally understood.

The main drawback of having superior knowledge is that others cannot comprehend you.

_Opening statement setting the thesis of the essay._

> The great happiness of life is, to be neither better nor worse than the general run of those you meet with.

True happiness comes from being average, not standing out above or below others.

_Hazlitt's reflection on the social comfort of mediocrity._

> Ignorance of another's meaning is a sufficient cause of fear, and fear produces hatred.

Not understanding someone leads to fear, which then turns into hatred.

_Explains the hostility faced by intellectually superior individuals._

> The more you condescend, the more they will presume upon it; they will fear you less, but hate you more.

Being humble only makes others take advantage and dislike you more intensely.

_Advice against trying to soften intellectual superiority through humility._

> A shrewd man said of my father, that he would not send a son of his to school to him on any account, for that by teaching him to speak the truth he would disqualify him from getting his living in the world!

A clever person remarked that my father's honesty would ruin a child's chances of making a living.

_Anecdote illustrating how moral education can hinder worldly success._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/table_talk_se/chapters/volume-ii-on-the-disadvantages-of-intellectual-superiority
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/table_talk_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/table_talk_se/chapters