Two people cannot be alone together for upwards of half an hour without one emerging as the superior. — 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
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
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
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
It is good breeding alone that can prepossess people in your favor at first sight, more time being necessary to discover greater… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Keep your own secret, and get out other people's. Keep your own temper, and artfully warm other people's. Counterwork your rivalswith diligence… — 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
Talk often, but never long; in that case, if you do not please, at least you are sure not to tire your… — 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
Observe any meetings of people, and you will always find their eagerness and impetuosity rise or fall in proportion to their numbers. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Those who see and observe kings, heroes, and statesmen, discover that they have headaches, indigestion, humors and passions, just like other people;… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Dancing is, in itself, a very trifling and silly thing: but it is one of those established follies to which people of… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Many young people adopt pleasures for which they have not the least taste, only because they are called by that name.... You… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
This is the day when people reciprocally offer, and receive, the kindest and the warmest wishes, though, in general, without meaning them… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Pray be always in motion. Early in the morning go and see things; and the rest of the day go and see… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Take rather than give the tone to the company you are in. If you have parts you will show them more or… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
If you will please people, you must please them in their own way. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Observe it, the vulgar often laugh, but never smile, whereas well-bred people often smile, and seldom or never laugh. A witty thing… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Wise people may say what they will, but one passion is never cured by another. — 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
