Without any extraordinary effort of genius, I have discovered that nature was the same three thousand years ago as at present; that… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Next to clothes being fine, they should be well made, and worn easily; for a man is only the less genteel for… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
A learned parson, rusting in his cell at Oxford or Cambridge, will reason admirably well upon the nature of man; will profoundly… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Cottages have them (falsehood and dissimulation) as well as courts, only with worse manners. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
No man tastes pleasures truly, who does not earn them by previous business; and few people do business well, who do nothing… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
The vulgar only laugh, but never smile; whereas well-bred people often smile, but seldom laugh. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
The value of moments, when cast up, is immense, if well employed; if thrown away, their loss is irrevocable. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
If a marriage is going to work well, it must be on a solid footing, namely money, and of that commodity it… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Violent measures are always dangerous, but, when necessary, may then be looked on as wise. They have, however, the advantage of never… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
I would rather have a young fellow too much than too little dressed; the excess on that side will wear off, with… — 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
Gold and silver are but merchandise, as well as cloth or linen; and that nation that buys the least, and sells the… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
In friendship, as well as in love, the mind is often the dupe of the heart. — 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
Manners must adorn knowledge and smooth its way in the world, without them it is like a great rough diamond, very well… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
The world can doubtless never be well known by theory: practice is absolutely necessary; but surely it is of great use to… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
I really think next to the consciousness of doing a good action, that of doing a civil one is the most pleasing;… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
The value of moments, when cast up, is immense, if well employed; if thrown away, their loss is irrecoverable. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Women of fashion and character--I do not mean absolutely unblemished--are a necessary ingredient in the composition of good company; the attention which… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Montesquieu well knew, and justly admired, the happy constitution of this country [Great Britain], where fixed and known laws equally restrain monarchy… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Those whom you can make like themselves better will, I promise you, like you very well. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
I heartily wish you, in the plain home-spun style, a great number of happy new years, well employed in forming both your… — 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
I always put these pert jackanapeses out of countenance by looking extremely grave when they expect that I should laugh at their… — 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
