William Hazlitt (1778-1830) was an English essayist, critic, and philosopher. He was born in Maidstone, Kent, and grew up in a family of intellectuals. Hazlitt initially trained as a painter, but later found success as a writer and speaker. He is best known for his witty and insightful essays on a wide range of subjects, including politics, literature, and human nature. Hazlitt's writing style was characterized by its clear and concise prose, as well as its insightful commentary on contemporary issues. He was also known for his philosophical works, including "The Spirit of the Age" and "Table Talk", which explored his views on the human condition and the role of the individual in society. Hazlitt was a vocal advocate of freedom of speech and expression, and his writing continues to be widely read and highly regarded to this day. Despite his great influence, Hazlitt lived much of his life in poverty, and died at the age of 52. Nevertheless, his legacy as one of the greatest essayists in English literary history lives on.