The late Président de Montesquieu told me that he knew how to be blind--he had been so for such a long time--but… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
All ceremonies are in themselves very silly things; but yet, a man of the world should know them. They are the outworks… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
In the course of the world, a man must very often put on an easy, frank countenance, upon very disagreeable occasions; he… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
There never were, since the creation of the world, two cases exactly parallel. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Though we cannot totally change our nature, we may in great measure correct it by reflection and philosophy; and some philosophy is… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
A man of the best parts and greatest learning, if he does not know the world by his own experience and observation,… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Prepare yourself for the world, as athletes used to do for their exercises; oil your mind and your manners, to give them… — 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
Let us not only scatter benefits, but even strew flowers for our fellow-travellers, in the rugged ways of this wretched world. — 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
Second-rate knowledge, and middling talents, carry a man farther at courts, and in the busy part of the world, than superior knowledge… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
I assisted at the birth of that most significant word "flirtation," which dropped from the most beautiful mouth in the world. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
When I reflect upon what I have seen, what I have heard, what I have done, I can hardly persuade myself that… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
In matters of religion and matrimony I never give any advice; because I will not have anybody's torments in this world or… — 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
Loud laughter is the mirth of the mob, who are only pleased with silly things; for true Wit or good Sense never… — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
Manners must adorn knowledge and smooth its way through the world. — Lord Chesterfield Copy Share Image
A certain degree of ceremony is a necessary outwork of manners, as well as of religion; it keeps the forward and petulant… — 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
