Awkwardness is a more real disadvantage than it is generally thought to be; it often occasions ridicule, it always lessens dignity. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
There are some occasions in which a man must tell half his secret, in order to conceal the rest: but there is… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
In the course of the world, a man must very often put on an easy, frank countenance, upon very disagreeable occasions; he… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
There are some occasions when a man must tell half his secret, in order to conceal the rest. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
There is a certain jargon, which, in French, I should call un Persiflage d'Affaires, that a foreign Minister ought to be perfectlymaster… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
When I reflect upon what I have seen, what I have heard, what I have done, I can hardly persuade myself that… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Cultivate the habit of thinking ahead, and of anticipating the necessary and immediate consequences of all your actions… Likewise in your pleasures, ask yourself… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share
No woman ever yet either reasoned or acted long together consequentially; but some little thing, some love, some resentment, somepresent momentary interest, some supposed… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share
I am in the pitiable situation of feeling all the force of temptation without having the strength to succumb to it. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share
Mankind is made up of inconsistencies, and no man acts invariably up to his predominant character. The wisest man sometimes acts weakly, and the… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share
Compliments of congratulation are always kindly taken, and cost nothing but pen, ink and paper. I consider them as draughts upon good breeding, where… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share
The insolent civility of a proud man is, if possible, more shocking than his rudeness could be; because he shows you, by his manner,… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share
“Secret thoughts and an open countenance will take you safely the world over” — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share
Virtue and learning, like gold, have their intrinsic value: but if they are not polished, they certainly lose a great deal of their luster:… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share
Knowledge is a comfortable and necessary retreat and shelter for us in an advanced age; and if we do not plant it while young,… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share
It is commonly said that ridicule is the best test of truth; for that it will not stick where it is not just. I… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share
There is hardly any place or any company where you may not gain knowledge, if you please; almost everybody knows some one thing, and… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share
Assurance and intrepidity, under the white banner of seeming modesty, clear the way for merit, that would otherwise be discouraged by difficulties... — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share
