Assurance and intrepidity, under the white banner of seeming modesty, clear the way for merit, that would otherwise be discouraged by difficulties... — 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
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
Merit and knowledge will not gain hearts, though they will secure them when gained. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Give nobly to indigent merit, and do not refuse your charity even to those who have not merit but their misery. — 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
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
Ties of blood are not always ties of friendship; but friendship founded on merit, on esteem, and on mutual trust, becomes more… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
If you wish particularly to gain the good graces and affection of certain people, men or women, try to discover their most… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Great merit or great failings will make you respected or despised; but trifles, little attentions, mere nothings, either done or neglected, will… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Horse-play, romping, frequent and loud fits of laughter, jokes, and indiscriminate familiarity, will sink both merit and knowledge into a degree of… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Speak of the moderns without contempt and of the ancients without idolatry; judge them all by their merits, but not by their… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Great merit, or great failings, will make you respected or despised; but trifles, little attentions, mere nothings, either done or neglected, will… — 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
