Who said “An honest man speaks the truth, though it may give offence; a vain man, in order that it…”?

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

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

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“An honest man speaks the truth, though it may give offence; a vain man, in order that it may.”
— William Hazlitt
VerifiedCharacteristics, in the manner of Rochefoucauld's Maxims (1823) · evidenceInjury

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.). An honest man speaks the truth, though it may give offence; a vain man, in order that it may. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/24179-an-honest-man-speaks-the-truth-though-it/

MLA

Hazlitt, William. “An honest man speaks the truth, though it may give offence; a vain man, in order that it may.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/24179-an-honest-man-speaks-the-truth-though-it/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Hazlitt, William. “An honest man speaks the truth, though it may give offence; a vain man, in order that it may.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/24179-an-honest-man-speaks-the-truth-though-it/.

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