In nature the most violent passions are silent; in tragedy they must speak and speak with dignity too. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Awkwardness is a more real disadvantage than it is generally thought to be; it often occasions ridicule, it always lessens dignity. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
A gentleman has ease without familiarity, is respectful without meanness; genteel without affectation, insinuating without seeming art. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Good-breeding carries along with it a dignity that is respected by the most petulant. Ill-breeding invites and authorizes the familiarity of the… — 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
Were you to converse with a king, you ought to be as easy and unembarrassed as with your own valet-de chambre; but… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
You must be respectful and assenting, but without being servile and abject. You must be frank, but without indiscretion, and close, without… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Whoever is admitted or sought for, in company, upon any other account than that of his merit and manners, is never respected… — 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
