To this principle of vanity, which philosophers call a mean one, and which I do not, I owe a great part of… — 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,… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
I am convinced that a light supper, a good night's sleep, and a fine morning, have sometimes made a hero of the… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Next to clothes being fine, they should be well made, and worn easily; for a man is only the less genteel for… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
I am grown old, and have possibly lost a great deal of that fire, which formerly made me love fire in others… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
The world can doubtless never be well known by theory: practice is absolutely necessary; but surely it is of great use to… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
I would rather have a young fellow too much than too little dressed; the excess on that side will wear off, with… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Vanity, or to call it by a gentler name, the desire of admiration and applause, is, perhaps, the most universal principle of… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
I could wish there were a treaty made between the French and the English theatres, in which both parties should make considerableconcessions.… — 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
