The Spirit of the Age; Or, Contemporary Portraits

"The Spirit of the Age; Or, Contemporary Portraits" by William Hazlitt is a collection of essays offering critical insights into prominent figures from the 19th century. Serving as a commentary on society, the narrative captures the intellectual atmosphere of the time through examinations of individuals like Jeremy Bentham and William Godwin, focusing on their impact on philosophy, literature, and politics. Initially, the book introduces Jeremy Bentham, highlighting his intellectual importance even though he wasn't well-known in England, portraying him as a visionary whose ideas were very impactful internationally. Hazlitt carefully goes over Bentham's core philosophies, especially his idea of Utility, while also looking closely at the limits of his logic regarding human nature and morality. The opening establishes a critical atmosphere, emphasizing not only the thoughts of these figures but also how they mirror the larger social and philosophical movements of the era, encouraging readers to consider the influence of these contemporaries on moral and intellectual progress.