Never write down your speeches beforehand; if you do, you may perhaps be a good declaimer, but will never be a debater. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
One man affirms that he has rode post a hundred miles in six hours; probably it is a lie; but supposing it… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
A man's fortune is frequently decided by his first address. If pleasing, others at once conclude he has merit; but if ungraceful,… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Talk often, but never long; in that case, if you do not please, at least you are sure not to tire your… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
A wise man will live as much within his wit as his income.... Bear this truth always in your mind, that you… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Men are much more unwilling to have their weaknesses and their imperfections known, than their crimes; and, if you hint to a… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
A man who owes a little can clear it off in a very little time, and, if he is a prudent man,… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
If you have wit, use it to please and not to hurt: you may shine like the sun in the temperate zones… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
If you love music hear it; go to operas, concerts, and pay fiddlers to play to you; but I insist upon your… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
I always put these pert jackanapeses out of countenance by looking extremely grave when they expect that I should laugh at their… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Letters should be easy and natural, and convey to the persons to whom we send them just what we should say to… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Let your letter be written as accurately as you are able,--I mean with regard to language, grammar, and stops; for as to… — 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
Take rather than give the tone to the company you are in. If you have parts you will show them more or… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
The great, the rich, the powerful, too often bestow their favours upon their inferiors in the manner they bestow their scraps upontheir… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
If you will please people, you must please them in their own way. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Style is the dress of thoughts; and let them be ever so just, if your style is homely, coarse, and vulgar, they… — 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 Image
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 Image
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 Image
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 Image
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 Image
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 Image
“Secret thoughts and an open countenance will take you safely the world over” — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
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 Image
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 Image
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 Image
