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
Business by no means forbids pleasures; on the contrary, they reciprocally season each other; and I will venture to affirm, that no… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Spirit is now a very fashionable word: to act with Spirit, to speak with Spirit, means only to act rashly, and to… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Religion is by no means a proper subject of conversation in mixed company; it should only be treated among a very few… — 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
Remember, that when I speak of pleasures I always mean the elegant pleasures of a rational being, and not the brutal ones… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Endeavor, as much as you can, to keep company with people above you.... Do not mistake, when I say company above you,… — 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
Sculpture and painting are very justly called liberal arts; a lively and strong imagination, together with a just observation, being absolutely necessary… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
When I reflect upon what I have seen, what I have heard, what I have done, I can hardly persuade myself that… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Women of fashion and character--I do not mean absolutely unblemished--are a necessary ingredient in the composition of good company; the attention which… — 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
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
