Who said “Hope is the best possession. None are completely wretched but those who are without…”?

Verified

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

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

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“Hope is the best possession. None are completely wretched but those who are without hope; and few are reduced so low as that.”
— William Hazlitt
VerifiedCharacteristics, in the manner of Rochefoucauld's Maxims (1823) · evidenceHope

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.). Hope is the best possession. None are completely wretched but those who are without hope; and few are reduced so low as that. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/21921-hope-is-the-best-possession-none-are-completely/

MLA

Hazlitt, William. “Hope is the best possession. None are completely wretched but those who are without hope; and few are reduced so low as that.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/21921-hope-is-the-best-possession-none-are-completely/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Hazlitt, William. “Hope is the best possession. None are completely wretched but those who are without hope; and few are reduced so low as that.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/21921-hope-is-the-best-possession-none-are-completely/.

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