Deafness produces bizarre effects, reversing the natural order of things; the interchange of letters is the conversation of the deaf, and the… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Nothing is more dissimilar than natural and acquired politeness. The first consists in a willing abnegation of self; the second in a… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
To write anything tolerable, the mind must be in a natural, proper disposition; provocatives, in that case, as well as in another,will… — 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
At any age we must cherish illusions, consolatory or merely pleasant; in youth, they are omnipresent; in old age we must search… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Letters should be easy and natural, and convey to the persons to whom we send them just what we should say to… — 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
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
