Bounds Quote by Lord Chesterfield
“In your friendships and in your enmities let your confidence and your hostilities have certain bounds; make not the former dangerous, nor the latter irreconcilable. There are strange vicissitudes in business.”
About This Quote
Advice to balance confidence and hostility, urging moderation in both, and noting unpredictability in business.
In simple terms: Keep confidence and hostility within reasonable limits; business can be unpredictable.
Moderate pride and aggression; expect business volatility.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- negotiations
- team leadership
- competitive markets
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide when confidence is enough?
- When should hostility be expressed?
Overemphasis on balance may ignore necessary assertiveness.