Who said “If the world were good for nothing else, it is a fine subject for speculation.”?

Verified

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

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

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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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.). If the world were good for nothing else, it is a fine subject for speculation. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/38531-if-the-world-were-good-for-nothing-else/

MLA

Hazlitt, William. “If the world were good for nothing else, it is a fine subject for speculation.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/38531-if-the-world-were-good-for-nothing-else/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Hazlitt, William. “If the world were good for nothing else, it is a fine subject for speculation.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/38531-if-the-world-were-good-for-nothing-else/.