The law before us, my lords, seems to be the effect of that practice of which it is intended likewise to be… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Next to doing things that deserve to be written, nothing gets a man more credit, or gives him more pleasure than to… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Man is more himself, man is more manlike, when joy is the fundamental thing in him, and grief the superficial. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
I love every-day senses, every-day wit and entertainment; a man who is only good on holidays, is good for very little. — 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
An able man shows his spirit by gentle words and resolute actions. — 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
A man's fortune is frequently decided by his first address. If pleasing, others at once conclude he has merit; but if ungraceful,… — 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
No man can possibly improve in any company for which he has not respect enough to be under some degree of restraint. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
So much are our minds influenced by the accidents of our bodies, that every man is more the man of the day… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Women especially as to be talked to as below men, and above children. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
A man's own good breeding is the best security against other people's ill manners. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Keep carefully not of all scrapes and quarrels. They lower a character extremely; and are particularly dangerous in France, wherea man is… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
The manner of a vulgar man has freedom without ease, and the manner of a gentleman has ease without freedom. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Men are much more unwilling to have their weaknesses and their imperfections known, than their crimes; and, if you hint to a… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Cardinal Mazarin was a great knave, but no great man; much more cunning than able; scandalously false and dirtily greedy. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Every man is to be had one way or another and every woman almost anyway. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
A man who owes a little can clear it off in a very little time, and, if he is a prudent man,… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
An honest man may really love a pretty girl, but only an idiot marries her merely because she is pretty. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Experience only can teach men not to prefer what strikes them for the present moment, to what will have much greater weight… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Few men are of one plain, decided color; most are mixed, shaded, and blended; and vary as much, from different situations, as… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Loud laughter is the mirth of the mob, who are only pleased with silly things; for true Wit or good Sense never… — 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
