It is commonly said that ridicule is the best test of truth; for that it will not stick where it is not… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
There is hardly any place or any company where you may not gain knowledge, if you please; almost everybody knows some one… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
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
May you live as long as you are fit to live, but no longer, or, may you rather die before you cease… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Many new years you may see, but happy ones you cannot see without deserving them. These virtue, honor, and knowledge alone can… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
I often wish for the end of the wretched remnant of my life; and that wish is a rational one; but then… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
I can hardly bring myself to caution you against drinking, because I am persuaded that I am writing to a rational creature,… — 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
There is not a more prudent maxim, than to live with one's enemies as if they may one day become one's friends;… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Violent measures are always dangerous, but, when necessary, may then be looked on as wise. They have, however, the advantage of never… — 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
Though we cannot totally change our nature, we may in great measure correct it by reflection and philosophy; and some philosophy is… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
A man of the best parts and greatest learning, if he does not know the world by his own experience and observation,… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Real merit of any kind cannot long be concealed; it will be discovered, and nothing can depreciate it but a man exhibiting… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Not to perceive the little weaknesses and the idle but innocent affectations of the company may be allowable as a sort of… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
I am not of the opinion generally entertained in this country [England], that man lives by Greek and Latin alone; that is,… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Singularity is only pardonable in old age and retirement; I may now be as singular as I please, but you may not. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Men have various subjects in which they may excel, or at least would be thought to excel, and though they love to… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Learn to shrink yourself to the size of the company you are in. Take their tone, whatever it may be, and excell… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Should you be unfortunate enough to have vices, you may, to a certain degree, even dignify them by a strict observance of… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
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
Never yield to that temptation, which, to most young men, is very strong, of exposing other people's weaknesses and infirmities, for the… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Whatever poets may write, or fools believe, of rural innocence and truth, and of the perfidy of courts, this is most undoubtedly… — 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
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
