There are people who indulge themselves in a sort of lying, which they reckon innocent, and which in one sense is so;… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Those who see and observe kings, heroes, and statesmen, discover that they have headaches, indigestion, humors and passions, just like other people;… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Keep your own secret, and get out other people's. Keep your own temper, and artfully warm other people's. Counterwork your rivalswith diligence… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
If you wish particularly to gain the good graces and affection of certain people, men or women, try to discover their most… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Pray be always in motion. Early in the morning go and see things; and the rest of the day go and see… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
The law before us, my lords, seems to be the effect of that practice of which it is intended likewise to be… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Mind not only what people say, but how they say it; and if you have any sagacity, you may discover more truth… — 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
