Themes · 1822
Look up, laugh loud, talk big, keep the colour in your cheek and the fire in your eye, adorn your person, maintain your health, your beauty, and your animal spirits, and you will pass for a fine man.
— William Hazlitt • On the Conduct of Life
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
The energetic instructions build a picture of someone who looks convincingly successful. The final phrase gives the advice an edge: appearing impressive and being admirable are not necessarily the same thing. Health, confidence and outward polish are shown as powerful ingredients in how a person is judged.
Context reviewed