William Hazlitt (1778-1830) was an English writer who worked in many different genres. He is widely regarded as a pivotal figure in the history of literary criticism, art and drama criticism, political journalism, and the familiar essay, and is one of the greatest prose stylists in the history of the English language.

He has a very concrete, vivid, personal and vigorous style. Much of his work is journalism but because of its high standard many essayists cannot stand up to him. Unlike Lamb he is a vigorous writer who writes simple and unadorned prose. His prose is forceful, vigorous, gusty and clear.

He reflects on various aspects of human nature, societal dynamics, and the role of passion in shaping human behavior. Overall, Hazlitt's essay offers profound reflections on the nature of human emotions and the complexities of the human psyche.

He loves his solitude and freedom. A journey should be liberating oneself from the everyday world and its concerns. To remove oneself from the prison of company and anxieties one must become connected to nature. The only way to achieve such a union is through complete freedom of thought.