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
In nature the most violent passions are silent; in tragedy they must speak and speak with dignity too. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Speak the language of the company you are in; speak it purely, and unlarded with any other. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
There is a certain jargon, which, in French, I should call un Persiflage d'Affaires, that a foreign Minister ought to be perfectlymaster… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Remember, that when I speak of pleasures I always mean the elegant pleasures of a rational being, and not the brutal ones… — 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
The only sure way of avoiding these evils [vanity and boasting] is never to speak of yourself at all. But when, historically,… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Spirit is now a very fashionable word: to act with Spirit, to speak with Spirit, means only to act rashly, and 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