An open matchbox contains a tiny glowing golden lantern on a dark-blue surface.

Original artwork, not a still

"Common Places," No. 1, The Literary Examiner (September - December 1823)

William Hazlitt

The art of life is to know how to enjoy a little and to endure much.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker proposes that living well depends on two modest skills: savouring small pleasures and bearing large hardships. It presents wisdom as a balance, not seeking great joys but making the most of little ones while quietly putting up with much that is difficult.

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