Truth, but not the whole truth, must be the invariable principle of every man who hath either religion, honour, or prudence. Thosewho… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
The New Year is the season in which custom seems more particularly to authorize civil and harmless lies, under the name of… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
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
I really know nothing more criminal, more mean, and more ridiculous than lying. It is the production either of malice, cowardice, or… — 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
It may be objected, that I am now recommending dissimulation to you; I both own and justify it. It has been long… — 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
