Who said “A grave blockhead should always go about with a lively one -- they show one another off…”?

Verified

William Hazlitt. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceCharacteristics, in the manner of Rochefoucauld's Maxims (1823)

Find Characteristics, in the manner of Rochefoucauld's Maxims on Amazon · paid link

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

Source checked · Something wrong? Report a correction

Authors A–Z
“A grave blockhead should always go about with a lively one -- they show one another off to the best advantage.”
— William Hazlitt
VerifiedCharacteristics, in the manner of Rochefoucauld's Maxims (1823) · evidenceCompany
Report

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Characteristics, in the manner of Rochefoucauld's Maxims (1823).

APA

Hazlitt, W. (n.d.). A grave blockhead should always go about with a lively one -- they show one another off to the best advantage. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/10504-a-grave-blockhead-should-always-go-about-with/

MLA

Hazlitt, William. “A grave blockhead should always go about with a lively one -- they show one another off to the best advantage.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/10504-a-grave-blockhead-should-always-go-about-with/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Hazlitt, William. “A grave blockhead should always go about with a lively one -- they show one another off to the best advantage.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/10504-a-grave-blockhead-should-always-go-about-with/.

Related quotes

“It contributes greatly towards a man's moral and intellectual health, to be brought into habits of companionship with individuals unlike himself, who care little for his pursuits, and whose sphere and abilities he must go out of himself to appreciate.”
— Nathaniel Hawthorne
VerifiedIntroduction: The Custom-House · evidenceDetails & citeCompany
Report

More quotes by William Hazlitt

All 133 William Hazlitt quotes →