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
The insolent civility of a proud man is, if possible, more shocking than his rudeness could be; because he shows you, by… — 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… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Without any extraordinary effort of genius, I have discovered that nature was the same three thousand years ago as at present; that… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Men are much more unwilling to have their weaknesses and their imperfections known than their crimes. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
A man who tells nothing, or who tells all, will equally have nothing told him. — 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
It is by vivacity and wit that man shines in company; but trite jokes and loud laughter reduce him to a buffoon. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
There are some occasions in which a man must tell half his secret, in order to conceal the rest: but there is… — 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
The company of women of fashion will improve your manners, though not your understanding; and that complaisance and politeness, which are so… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Wrongs are often forgiven, but contempt never is. Our pride remembers it forever. It implies a discovery of weakness, which we are… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
All ceremonies are in themselves very silly things; but yet, a man of the world should know them. They are the outworks… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
A learned parson, rusting in his cell at Oxford or Cambridge, will reason admirably well upon the nature of man; will profoundly… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
An able man shows his spirit by gentle words and resolute actions. He is neither hot nor timid. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
In the course of the world, a man must very often put on an easy, frank countenance, upon very disagreeable occasions; he… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
No man tastes pleasures truly, who does not earn them by previous business; and few people do business well, who do nothing… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
When you have found out the prevailing passion of any man, remember never to trust him where that passion is concerned. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Men are apt to mistake, or at least to seem to mistake, their own talents, in hopes, perhaps, of misleading others to… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Almost all men are born with every passion to some extent, but there is hardly a man who has not a dominant… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
An ignorant man is insignificant and contemptible; nobody cares for his company, and he can just be said to live, and that… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
A man who cannot command his temper should not think of being a man in business. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Vulgarism in language is the distinguishing characteristic of bad company, and a bad education. A man of fashion avoids nothing with more… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
If originally it was not good for a man to be alone, it is much worse for a sick man to be… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
A vulgar man is captious and jealous; eager and impetuous about trifles. He suspects himself to be slighted, and thinks everything that… — 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
