The collected works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 04 (of 12)

"The Collected Works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 04 (of 12)" by William Hazlitt is a collection of essays and critiques written in the early 19th century. This volume includes notable works such as “A Reply to Malthus’s Essay on Population” and “The Spirit of the Age,” showcasing Hazlitt's engagement with social philosophy and political economy. Hazlitt's writings often explore the intersection of human thought, societal conditions, and moral philosophy, making this collection particularly relevant for those interested in debates about class, social welfare, and the ethics of economic theory. At the start of the volume, Hazlitt introduces his critique of Thomas Malthus' theories, particularly his perspective on population control and its implications for the poor in Britain. He argues that Malthus’s views serve to perpetuate societal indifference toward poverty and are fundamentally flawed in their logical construction. The opening letters set the tone for a deep, analytical discourse that not only challenges Malthus's conclusions but also emphasizes the need for genuine compassion and actionable reforms to alleviate the suffering of the poor. Hazlitt expresses his disdain for the abstractions that neglect human experience, urging a more humane approach to socio-economic issues, which lays the groundwork for the richer discussions in the essays that follow. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Hazlitt was an English essayist, drama and literary critic, painter, social commentator, and philosopher. He is now considered one of the greatest critics and essayists in the history of the English language, placed in the company of Samuel Johnson and George Orwell. He is also acknowledged as the finest art critic of his age. Despite his high standing among historians of literature and art, his work is currently little read and mostly out of print.